At Bishop Bronescombe, we use a programme called Accelerated Reader to help monitor reading practice and progress. It ensures pupils are reading books that are suitable for their reading level and encourages them to read, both at school and at home.
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children's individual reading practice. Children will pick a book at their own level and read it at their own pace. When finished, they will take a short quiz on the computer. Passing this quiz is an indication that they have understood what they have read. AR gives children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results which the teacher then uses to help set goals and direct ongoing reading practise.
How will the books be banded?
We will use STAR Reading Tests which will determine your child’s reading level. It is a computer based reading assessment that uses a technology that will continually adjust to your child’s responses. If your child’s response is correct, the difficulty level is increased or if a question is missed or the response incorrect, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes around 20 minutes to complete. The test results will give each child a reading age and ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) level.
The ZPD level is the range of books that will challenge a child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. They will then be able to choose books within this ZPD level as their individual reading book. Within this band, there will be a range of difficulties and interest levels for the children to choose from. The children will complete a STAR Reading assessment every term to ensure that they are making progress and to ensure that they are on the correct book band.
How can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves with practise. Encourage your child to read at home, listen to them read, discuss books or ask questions about what they have read.