I posted earlier this week about my principal pushing for a fluent reader
in Kindergarten to start AR (when we normally don't start the program
until 2nd grade). I asked for input regarding use of AR in Kindergarten,
and here's a summary of what I received:
I was really surprised by how many use AR in Kdg. Out of 48 responses,
only about 10 expressed any reservations--the rest seemed to be all for
it. Of those who do use AR with K, almost everyone said they either use
the recorded voice option for quizzes or have a helper read the questions
aloud to students. The helper could be a parent volunteer, aide, or
4th/5th grade "buddy"--though one person advised against using parents
because they had found instances of parents helping students cheat! Other
people indicated that Kindergarten does AR as a group--the teacher reads
the book, the whole class takes the quiz. This way they are familiar with
the program for when they are ready to participate independently. Many of
those who include Kindergarten said that they do NOT make it competitive
or keep track of points or give prizes.
Concerns about AR & K included worries about the student being pushed too
much, resulting in loss of choice of books (only being expected to read AR
books, and only books at their level)...students feeling too much test
stress...not being able to handle failing a test (or even just getting a
question wrong), the child seeing the tests as the only measure of if they
are a good reader or not...also, the "shine" wearing off by second grade,
where it becomes just something they have to do.
It was also brought up that there are plenty of other ways to enrich and
foster a love of reading without using AR. Letting them check out extra
books and/or more challenging books, have them read aloud to the class,
partner read with struggling readers, write brief book reviews, etc.
On a personal note, it looks like we're going to go ahead and let the
student begin AR, but with the understanding that it is a completely
independent process. We do not use recorded voice quizzes or provide help
with reading the quizzes at any grade level, and because Kindergarten is
in their own building, there is not a lot of help to be had, anyhow. If
the little guy in question can handle it, great. If not, we can try
something else. I'm also going to plead with the teacher, principal,
whoever, to not award prizes or make a big deal of earning points.
There's enough of that in the later grades!
Thanks to everyone who responded. I really appreciated you sharing your
advice and experience!
Jessica Frohn, LMS
St. Croix Falls Elementary
St. Croix Falls, WI
frohnje@scf.k12.wi.us
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