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I too applaud the responses to AR. I wrote an article several years ago
for Library Talk comparing AR and RC before we started. I was starry
eyed then and now am experienced, but I still think that AR is one of
the best things that has happened to our school and library. WHY?
Because KIDS ARE READING and KIDS ARE TALKING ABOUT BOOKS!  WIth the
quizzes we can also check their comprehension which in today's world of
passive TV and video games, kids are held accountable for understanding
something. I find one of the biggest problems in todays world (both
kids and adults) is that NO ONE THINKS or PAYS ATTENTION!

Before AR, the books just 'went out for air' and we hardly ever had
books renewed ... because they were not being read. Yes, our
circulation has increased, but more importantly kids are talking about
and sharing books. I have had a single copy of the all of the Lemony
Snicket books on the shelves for over a year...and just since Christmas
I have had a 4th grader start reading them...and the phenomomen spread
so fast that I had to purchase 2 more sets! All because the kids were
talking about them!!!!  Now both boys and girls are challenging
themselves to read them, taking quizzes on them AND passing the quizzes
with flying colors.

Thanks Kathy, Julie and Tony (who is librarian at my dad's alma
mater!!!!)


Barb Engvall
Library Media Specialist
John Campbell Elem
Selah, WA

On Monday, March 31, 2003, at 08:41  AM, Kathy Mladenich wrote:

> 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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