I know that Accelerated Reader, more commonly called "AR", is reeeealllly disliked among library professionals. It's a leveled reading program that labels students. I have issues with the program myself. But, AR is used by schools across the country, and it's not going away anytime soon. So, here are a few of my AR tricks Book SelectionMy biggest concern about implementing AR is that it limits students' book choices. I get around this by having a very generous circulation policy. Students are expected to check out at least 1 or 2 books in their AR level at each library visit, but they are also allowed to pick out many free-choice books. This policy supports teachers, who are expected to implement AR with their students. This supports students, who are expected to meet their AR goals. And, this supports students by still giving them freedom to read whatever they like. Color CodingI was very, very, very against color-coding reading levels. I'll save you the list of reasons. But, I've realized that color-coding is the most practical way to implement AR for young students. To the left is a picture of the AR color poster that I hang in the library. The spine of the books are labeled with a colored sticker based on their AR level. It stops at 6.0 because I try to wean the students off of using color for choosing books by about 3rd grade. Color coding books does not solve all the problems that young students have with selecting AR reading. When you tell a 6-year-old that their reading level is 1.4 to 2.4, they often scour the library for books that are level 1.4 or 2.4. They struggle to understand all of the in-between numbers, especially because the books levels use decimals. So, for the young students, I make labels that go on students' shelf markers or ID cards. I color the numbers that are part of the student's ZPD. This way, students can find a book with the right color, check the level, and see if the level is colored in on their label. This really gets them started, and after a few weeks, they hardly need the label.
Searching for Books
Sharing AR with ParentsAt the beginning of the school year, I give parents a presentation (click on the link to see the presentation) about the AR program. It's a very quick overview, but the parents catch on quickly. I give them the directions to search for AR books on DestinyQuest, just like I give the students. I also show them how their students can log into AR and check on their quarterly progress (available above to the right with the other files). This helps parents support their students, and helps parents feel informed. This entry is feeling awfully long, but AR implementation can be complicated. Please let me know if any of these ideas are helpful. And share any ideas you have for implementing AR at your school!
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(Or, the time my friend and I forced ourselves on Judy Blume)I cleaned out an old file cabinet in the library office this week and found this gem. (The "gem" is in the picture to the left.) It's a pamphlet about Judy Blume and her books. The title, Meet Judy Blume, made me respond, "I DID! I DID meet Judy Blume!" to myself. So, I'm feeling excited about meeting Judy Blume all over again. And I want to tell the world all about it! The story isn't too exciting, I admit, but I MET JUDY BLUME! She's a legend! Meeting a legend is always a good story. My grad school bestie, Amy, and I went to the Newbery and Caldecott award dinner at the ALA annual conference in Las Vegas this summer, and we both say that it was one of the best nights of our lives! Amy's mentor, Susan, showed us around and pointed out a lot of the authors and showed us around. But, she also reminded us that this is a night of fun for the authors and illustrators, and to give them space and to be polite. We did our best.... But, when Judy Blume ended up chatting with friends at the cocktail table next to us, Amy and I could hardly keep ourselves together. We decided to go over and introduce ourselves, but she was saying her goodbyes for the night. It was late, I'm sure she was ready to go to bed. As she said goodnight to a friend, we stood right behind the friend, and I kept making awkward eye contact with her. I was probably pretty creepy. When she turned and walked toward the door, we jumped right in front of her. It was a bold, classless move. In return, Judy Blume was so polite and gracious. She shook our hands, and gave us her attention for a few moments while we gushed at her. It really made our night. We were so excited, that the moment she left, we took an "OMG! We met Judy Blume!" selfie: |
AuthorDebby Vandersande is a school librarian. Archives
December 2015
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