What is AR?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his/her own level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) Accelerated Reader gives children, teachers, and parents feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.  Parents can sign up for emails to be alerted when your child completes a quiz.  Just use the Home Connect letter that was sent home with this letter.

Children using Accelerated Reader choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.

Teachers help your child choose books at an appropriate readability level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success.

How does my child get AR books?

There are over 200,000 quizzes available in AR, and this number is steadily increasing.  Almost any book will have an AR quiz available.  Many books your child’s teacher may have in her classroom library will be AR book.  Also, almost all books in our Media Center are AR books.  Do you have books your child reads at home?  Chances are, there are AR quizzes for these!  You can always check by visiting arbookfind.com and searching for the title of the book.  

How is my child's goal determined?

Your child’s teacher will discuss goal setting individually with your child in order to create a personalized goal for each quarter.  Together, they will create a goal your child will be comfortable with and that will still be challenging.  Your child’s reading level is one part that will be considered when your child and the teacher meet to discuss goals.  

When should my child read?

Your child will have opportunities to read each day, but it is also extremely important for your child to read each night for at least 20 minutes.  Here's why: