Castle Cary Primary SchoolAccelerated Reader
What is the Accelerated Reader Scheme?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer-based management system that helps teachers manage and monitor our children’s independent reading practice and progress. AR is introduced to children in Years 2-6, only when they are secure in their phonic knowledge and they have completed the RWI phonics programme.
When your child moves onto AR, they will be able to choose books at their own level. This level is given to them by the class teacher and is called a ZPD. The ZPD gives the children a range and they have to choose a book within their range. Your child's ZPD is assessed each half term through something called a Star Test and will change accordingly. Your child's ZPD is based on their fluency and also their understanding of what they are reading. Your child will then read the book they have chosen at their own pace. When finished, your child takes a short book-based quiz within the AR system. This is done in the classroom at a time designated by the class teacher. Passing the quiz (with a score of 85% or more) is an indication that your child understood what was read.
AR gives children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results which the teacher then uses to help set your child targets and goals and to direct ongoing reading practice and book choice.
Renaissance Home Connect
The link below will take you to the 'Renaissance Home Connect' website. Where you can keep track of your child's progress on Accelerated Reader. You are able to login to Home Connect using your child's Accelerated Reader login details and view your child's progress.
You can even set up email alerts that will inform you via email when your child passes their quiz, and of how well they have achieved! Use the 'Email Setup' link in Home Connect to do this.
We hope you enjoy keeping informed of your child's progress using Home Connect.
AR Book Finder
AR BookFinder is an exciting web-based book-searching tool from Renaissance Learning.
With this free online tool you can search for interesting and appropriate books for your child, quickly and easily, in the knowledge that there is an Accelerated Reader quiz available for each book.
We encourage you to explore this book-searching tool with your child.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.