READ T0 With Own
Using Renaissance Accelerated Reader with pre-Star Reading Children
If teachers are working with very young children or with older ones who cannot take a Star Reading assessment the children can still use Accelerated Reader (AR). The teacher needs to ensure that the book level for reading practice is right for each child. Reading practice must be at the right level of difficulty or Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in order to promote growth. Normally teachers will obtain this information when children take an initial Star Reading assessment. But if children do not have the necessary skills to take a Star Reading assessment this does not preclude them from using AR. Emergent readers typically begin by listening to books which are read to them. In time they can read together with a more experienced reader. Eventually they begin to read independently. Reading practice utilising AR can have one, or a mix, of these three reading practice types.
Children listening to books that are read to them can be assessed for understanding of the content, characters and plot within the book. AR can be used to check this comprehension. Since the book was read to them, children can also have the quiz questions and alternatives read to them. As their word attack skills develop they can read with others. As their skills in reading develop their comprehension skills can also be checked. The quiz can be read with them too. The National Literacy Trust has developed an excellent guide to establishing paired reading in schools. Click here to view and download it.