October Blog
Posted on Jan 25, 2019
Happy October from the Saint John Fisher Library!
First of all, many thanks for everyone who donated (or plan to donate :) books to the library!! We have gotten some great ones and the kids have been taking them out or are in line to do so.
Here is the link to an updated wish list: http://a.co/71h1xGd this is a public list so you should be able to add to it or purchase from it :)
This year in Library classes the focus will be on enjoying what we are reading and looking for books to read that we cannot put down, have to find the sequel to and/or want to find other books by the same author.
Kids in 2nd through 8th grade have or will soon be taking the STAR reading assessment. The STAR program is used to determine your child’s strengths and it will help us match your child with the right books for their reading ability. The assessment helps by providing a grade-level equivalent score to give an approximation of each student’s reading level.
For grades 3-8 the Accelerated Reader program is back in full swing! (second grade will begin taking AR tests in early October). Students with the top 5 highest point totals for each grade will be displayed outside the school library and updated each month, beginning in October.
What is Accelerated Reader?Accelerated Reader is a reading program designed to encourage and promote successful reading. It helps students to track their reading comprehension by providing them the tools to measure their improvement. AR places the focus on the careful reading of books, which in turn promotes critical thinking.
How does it work?Children read books and take the AR Reading Practice quiz for the book they just completed. They earn points based on their success on each quiz. The questions are designed to show how well the student understands the material. It’s one thing to read a book – it’s another thing to comprehend it in a meaningful way.
How is my child’s Reading Level established?At the beginning of the school year, your child will take a Star Reading test that determines his/her appropriate reading level. This test can be given three times per year. Based on his/her performance on this diagnostic tool, he/she is assigned a zone of proximal development, or ZPD. The number roughly correlates to the expected performance in a specific grade at a certain month of school. For instance, a level of 3.4 indicates third grade, fourth month.
What does ZPD stand for?The ZPD is a number range that correlates to levels assigned to AR books. The ZPD is designed to encourage students to read at their fluency level (the level at which they can read easily and with good comprehension).
How can I find out how many points my child has accumulated?Your child can check his/her reading record through the AR program at school. You can also check the Renaissance Home Connect Website to see your child's AR quiz scores. Another option is to check the reading log, which should have the score and number of points earned for each quiz taken.
Can my child take quizzes on books we own or check out from other libraries?
Yes, but the tests will need to be taken in the Saint John Fisher Library. Please check to make sure the book is on the Accelerated Reader List and that your child has not already taken the test! AR tests may only be taken once for each book. It is important that you help your child choose books that are suitable for their reading level.
Access the AR booklist here: http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx
Access Accelerated Reader Accounts here: https://hosted104.renlearn.com/180523/HomeConnect/Login.aspx
You will need your child’s username and password to access your their bookshelf.