Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (AR)
2023-2024 AR Theme: Reading Takes You Places

Accelerated Reader is a supplementary reading program for Kindergarteners, 1st graders and 2nd graders that encourages students to read books independently and to check their comprehension by taking an AR quiz at school.  Parents are encouraged to read to and with their children, and to listen to those students who are able to read independently.  Our Pre-K friends are invited to participate in our dress-up day and family instruments project!

The AR theme for 2023-2024 is Reading Takes You Places
Each student will have a minimum yearly goal of earning 20 reading practice points by reading to and with their parents and teachers. Most of our students will read picture books that earn them 0.5 points if they get all five questions correct.  To reach the 20 points goal, students will need to read and quiz on 40 or more AR books throughout the school year.  

Students may read books that they already have at home.  Go to arbookfind.com to enter the book titles that you have at home to see if they are AR books. If they are, your child may use the books to read and quiz on in the AR program.  While the pandemic is still in progress, the book check out policy from the VLE Library is subject to change based on CDC guidelines for library safety.

Your child's teacher may also share books with your child to read for our AR program.  In addition, the Concordia Parish Library has books your child can check out, and the Concordia Parish Library website gives you access to Tumble Books and other sites that have books your child can read online, if you have a library card. The Vidalia Library branch is located at 408 Texas Street just across from the Senior Citizens building.  Their hours are Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00.  Call them at (318) 336-5043 .   If you don't have a library card, you can sign up for one on their website: https://concordialibrary.org/

You can use books or read-alouds from anywhere you can access them, just check to be sure that they are AR books by checking the title and author on the arbookfind.com site. 

Parents, please read the books several times to or with your child before letting their teacher know they are ready to take a quiz.  AR is used to help increase both listening and reading comprehension.  After reading a book with your child, ask them questions about what they have read or what you have read to them to see if they comprehend.  If they cannot answer your questions, re-read the book.

Students are limited to no more than 3 quizzes per day. 
One or two books/quizzes per week will get the students to their annual 20 points goal easily.

Rewards, Awards and Celebrations
The Accelerated Reader program begins each year the Friday following the Labor Day holiday. A family project based on the theme and a dress-up day help kick-off the program. 

Students have a points goal set for each nine weeks. 
First nine weeks goal: 4 points (read and quiz on 8-10 books)
Second nine weeks goal: 6 points (read and quiz on 12-16 books)
Third nine weeks goal: 6 points (read and quiz on 12-16 books)
Fourth nine weeks goal: 4 points (read and quiz 8-10 books)

Students who reach their 20 points goal will receive a brag tag to display on their backpack.  Students who earn 25 points while maintaining an comprehension accuracy average of 85% or higher will be recognized on the AR Wall of Fame. Students may earn additional recognition and prizes by reading and earning 50, 75, or more points.  

The AR program ends on April 24th with a Bubble and Shine Day  on April 26th to celebrate the success of our students.  Students will also get to choose a new free paperback book compliments of the VLE Library.

AR Awards will be distributed in May.  The top points earner and the student with the top accuracy average from each class will be recognized with a medal of honor if they have reached their AR points and accuracy goals.  The top reader in each grade level will be recognized with a trophy.  The top three overall readers for the school will also be recognized with a trophy and a prize package.  Students who reach the 50, 75 and 100 points clubs also receive special awards and recognition.

AR Family Project: September 7th
Our 2023-2024 Accelerated Reader Family Project will be for students with the help of their families to create a project to represent one of their favorite places to visit or a place your family would like to visit.  The project can be a drawing, a poster, a shoebox diorama/model, or a globe/map showing your favorite place in the world. Please do not spend a lot of money on supplies. We encourage families to use things that you already have at home or recyclable materials. The student's name should appear written neatly or on a small label on the front of the project.  Reading Takes You Places family projects are due Thursday, September 7, 2023.  

AR Kick-off Dress-Up Day: September 8th 
Students may dress as tourist or traveler to go along with our Reading Takes You Places theme.  Please make sure that costumes do not interfere with students' ability to do school work or sit at their desk nor prevent them from using the restroom.

If you have any questions about Accelerated Reader, you may contact our librarian, Ms. Mingee at [email protected]