Accelerated Reader

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Home : 2002 : October : 29

Accelerated Reader
By Leslie

My school uses the Accelerated Reader program, which serves as a great way for teachers to evaluate comprehension and be assured that students are really reading the books. It's a pretty good motivating tool for most students.

For the most reluctant of readers, I've tried some different techniques. Try spending some time with the student while he or she picks out the next book. Ask questions about interests, types of books he or she likes to read, etc. and gently steer him or her to an appropriate book without taking away his or her choice. Then, you might offer to sit and read with the student. You could

read the book together, taking turns reading chapter aloud. Or, you could read the book independently (still sitting together) and talk about each chapter as you finish it. I've also made deals with specific students where I've bought them a book they were interested in (if it wasn't available in the classroom or school library). Once the student actually owns the book, he or she is much more likely to read it. Additionally, you've shown how much you want them to succeed and finish the book by purchasing it for them. Look at half-price book stores or Amazon.com used books to find good deals.