I was reluctant and skeptical with regard to "pushing" AR and promoting it
in the library in the beginning (5 years ago). But it is hard to ignore what
has been proven out in time.
1. Kids who love to read - are good readers and AR rewards them.
2. Kids who a reluctant to read usually have some discomfort with reading
and reading practice seems to work towards overcoming what ever the
diagnosis was.
3. AR promotes reading practice. Kind of like shooting baskets from the free
throw line will improve your free throw opportunities in a game of
basketball.
4. Even kids who are reluctant to read are motivated to take a test on a
computer and get the TOPS report to show their teacher/parent, etc. In our
school - that is pretty much the reward - that and meeting a personal goal
in each marking period. Using the sports analogy - it's like track - you are
working for your personal best. We do celebrate at the end of the marking
period with a fun event of some kind.
5. There is a reading "culture" that is subtle but I think it is evident
even in young children. Reluctant readers are often outside of the loop -
they aren't included in the conversations and enthusiasm around a series
that is part of the "talk" in reading circles. AR tears down those walls.
All the kids know about Mary Pope Osborne (just as an example) and most have
read at least one of her books. Kids are talking about books who normally
would not.
5. And...a side light - our kids are actually getting better at taking
tests.
Kathy Mladenich
Library Technician
Artondale Elementary School
Gig Harbor, WA
http://www.peninsula.wednet.edu/school/artondale_library/default.htm
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