AR EXPLANATION, CONTINUED WHAT DO THE POINTS MEAN? Points are given based on the number of pages/words in a book and the book's difficulty. Small 32 page picture books and non-fiction books are worth 0.5 points. These books usually have 5 questions per test. Chapter books are worth 1.0 point to 24+ points (for a Harry Potter-sized book.) Students only earn the total number of points if they score 100% on the AR test. If they earn an 80%, they earn 80% of the point value. (Ex. If a student earns an 80% on a 10 pt. book, he will receive 8 points, not 10.) Any score less than a 60% is considered failing, and 0 points are given for comprehension. HOW MANY POINTS SHOULD MY CHILD BE EARNING? The answer will vary from teacher to teacher, depending on the amount of emphasis placed on this particular reading program. Please discuss this with your child's teacher to determine class expectations. WILL MY CHILD BE GIVEN A PRIZE FOR EARNING AR POINTS? We have given AR prizes in the past for students who earn AR points. This incentive helps to keep many students motivated to read. This year, we will be awarding students with charms that correlate to the number of points they have earned, thanks to the support and funding of the PTO. We will give special recognition to classes and students who give an extra effort in the AR program. Many teachers also provide classroom incentives for meeting goals. Chains and charms should be kept from year to year, as different charms will be added with each new grade level. CAN I READ THE AR BOOK WITH MY CHILD? Yes! Reading aloud is acceptable, and research has proven it's beneficial. For read aloud articles, tips, and book lists, click here! Discussing the book with your child is also very beneficial in his understanding of the book. When independent reading skills are emerging, you might take turns reading aloud. Then when he is able to read on his own, he should be encouraged to do so. WHY DOES MY CHILD'S TEACHER ASK HER TO READ HER BOOK TWICE? Lots of teachers require this reading technique, because students are working out/sounding out the words the first time through, resulting in less comprehension of the material than desired. When reading a book the second time, (especially when non-fiction) the material tends to 'sinks in' better, allowing for improved focus, recall, and comprehension. Basically, it's a technique that teachers have found to work! CAN MY CHILD WATCH THE MOVIE AND TAKE AN AR TEST? I hope not! Many movies are different than the books from which they were created, and Renaissance Learning goes out of their way to create test questions that are book-related. Watching the movie after the book is read and test is taken is definitely preferred! HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD MEET HIS AR GOALS? If you've read this page, you have already accomplished the first step, which is taking interest in understanding the program. Create the expectation that reading and accomplishing goals are priorities. Set aside quiet, uninterrupted time to read each night for no less than twenty to thirty minutes. Communicate with your child's teacher and find out his reading strengths and weaknesses. Ask the teacher how you can best help him to improve those reading skills! HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON THE AR PROGRAM? 1. Ask your child's teacher. 2. Ask your child's media specialist. Email Mrs. Valentine 3. Click here for online Links. BACK TO MEDIA CENTER BACK TO AR RES HOME |
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