[LM_NET] HIT- AR

["Sellers, Julie Lynn" <JLS0720@ECU.EDU>]

A helpful responder had asked that I post a HIT to this question:
 
Any great ideas on how to jump start the use of AR? This would be strictly for 
incentive purposes. The kids just aren't reading and/or making use of the AR 
software. In their defense, the majority of our books have arrived only within the 
last three weeks. They have been informed of the new books, but it doesn't seem to 
be helping. I've thought about putting their pictures up for earning points  but 
was hoping for something really creative and fun for the kids.

(Sure hope I'm doing this right. I'm a newbee to this stuff.)
 
Here are the responses:
 

Hi, one of the contest that I do with our kids is a movie. I read a book to the 
kids during library and then the kids compete to see the movie. The contest is 
really easy. The classes, (one per grade) that have the best percentage wins a 
movie party. I take the number of tests passed by class and divide it by the number 
of students get a percentage. I decided that was the only fair way since our 
classes have different numbers of students, plus this allowed our Special Education 
classes to compete also. To our surprise our Spec. Ed. classes blew everyone out of 
the water and made the other kids work that much harder. I posted on a wall each 
classes percentage each week (we did it for a 9 weeks). At the end the top classes 
went to our gym where using a media projector, DVD player, and stereo we showed the 
movie on the wall. The kids thought they were at the theater with the sound and 
large picture. Another time, we did the same thing except the entire school got to 
see the movie and the winning classes were given pillow, blankets and front row 
seating. During both showings the kids had a juice box and popcorn. Our kids really 
work hard for it. After we are done with both the book and the movie, the next time 
I have the kids we discuss the book and movie and how they are a like and 
different. Kids aren't even aware that there is a lesson going on.Please post a 
HIT, I'd love to have more ideas.
 
Mary Taylor Holdenville Public Schools Holdenville, OK 
mtaylor@holdenville.k12.ok.us <mailto:mtaylor@holdenville.k12.ok.us> 

************

  We have used AR for many years, and I have felt interest has been waning. So, we 
just had a first-time-ever volleyball game during the last 2 periods of the day 
between the faculty and students. Students who had made their point goal with an 
85% average or higher get to get out of class and attend as spectators. Also, we 
drew names from the point goal achievers and asked if they wanted to be the 
players. It went over so well that we are going to have a basketball game at the 
end of this nine weeks. It is motivation, easy, and cheap.

Carol Wirwa Crockett County Middle School Alamo, TN 38001

******************

I don't know how supportive your administration is financially, but we have 
Accelerated Reader here and it has been great this year (my first year as lms).  
Basically, we have a different point system per grade level and for 
regular/advanced kids.  If they meet the goal for the 6 wks, they are treated to a 
movie at the local theatre.  The 1st time, it took 18, 2nd 6wks was 37, 3rd 6wks 
jumped to 78.  I was astonished.  I was worried my principal would not agree to 
paying for 78 kids' movie, but he did! If he hadn't, I was preparing for a  nacho 
party or something similar.  Also, he has given me a little bit of funds to buy 
"stuff" from Oriental Trading.  They can trade in their pts for prizes. Today, the 
8th graders came in to "buy" and I had to take my camera out to capture their 
excitement.  It was insane! Your ELA teachers must buy into the program.  I attend 
every dept. meeting and give them updates on procedures/policies for Accelerated 
Reader.  Let me know if I can help with anything else. 

********************

We give quarterly parties for those students meeting their goals.  But the only 
thing that I can see (after 14 years of AR) is administration requiring teachers to 
implement AR.  Our administrators go through the records and have conferences with 
teachers with low participation.

 

Susan Davis Media Specialist, NBCT Bennett Elementary School 1755 NE 14 Street Fort 
Lauderdale FL 33304

754-322-5464 FAX 754-322-5490 susan.davis@browardschools.com 
<mailto:susan.davis@browardschools.com> 

********************

When I was in the elementary library and about our 2nd or 3rd year of AR I started 
what I called "Challenge Book". I challenged the kids to read and test on an ar 
book and get an 80% or higher on the test and then I had prizes that they select 
from. This was done only by me and the library. It was just something that i 
enjoyed doing. I would also pick a kit from Upstart that had posters and stickers 
and etc. And made a bulletin boardthat stayed up all year. This would be my theme 
for the year.  The kids really enjoyed it and didn't really like it when one year I 
just couldn't get it done. I got prizes from Raymond Gedzes (or however you spell 
it) and from anywhere I could find them for cheap. I liked this because then the 
teachers didn't have to be involved because their time is usualy precious and the 
kids still had fun and were reading.  I also ran off little slips of paper they had 
to fill in before they could come and see me about their prizes. I did make it a 
requirement that the book be in the ZPD range. It worked real well for me.

Joleen Waltman Aberdeen High School Aberdeen, ID

*****************

We bought expensive trophies and held a grade-level total points contest for a 
month.  At the end of the month, the class with the most points for that grade 
level got to keep the trophy in their room.  Even kids who earned only a few points 
felt like they were contributing.  We made a door sign for the winning room and put 
an announcement in the monthly newsletter home.  That seemed to help get kids 
involved. Eventually westopped because the same class kept winning, but it helped 
generate interest. We also created point clubs where we had point levels on a big 
wall. When a student made it to the first level, we made a star with her name on it 
and it went on the wall.  As kids accumulated points, they wanted to know when 
their star would move to the next level.  That motivated them to keep reading. 
Names of kids who moved to a new level were put in the newsletter. When the rare 
student made it to the absolute highest level, we made a cake for her whole class. 
Hope this helps. :-) 
Linda Brown Jonesville, MI 

*********************

1.) Students would have class competitions where they compete against other classes 
in their grade level for getting the most points, the highest percentages, etc.  
The prize could be a popcorn party at the end of each quarter or trimester.

2.) Students could take quizzes in order to meet their points goal, with prizes 
given to those who meet the challenge each marking period.

3.) Students who score an 85% or higher on a quiz each week could come to the 
library or office for a little prize (bookmark, sticker, etc.), or have their name 
read on the morning announcements.

I hope these ideas help, Katherine Goodnight-Click, Librarian   J. W. Long 
Elementary School Terrell, Texas

goodnigk@terrell.ednet10.net <mailto:goodnigk@terrell.ednet10.net>   972-563-1448, 
ext. 4059

********************

Try gathering support from your faculty by getting them directly involved.  Set up 
a publicized "friendly competition" among your teachers to see who can earn the 
most points in a specific time period, or who can earn a set number of points 
first, etc.  I've seen this done, and the kids loved it. 

L. Kim Thomas Library Media Specialist Leavenworth High School Leavenworth, KS  
66048
913.684.1550, ext. 106 Kim.Thomas@usd453.org <mailto:Kim.Thomas@usd453.org> 

******************

Our AR use has jumped this year because of two things--we have an AR store where 
students can spend there points on different items from stickers to homeowrk passes 
to craft kits to MP3 players.  The other thing we have done is have a class 
competition for points each nine weeks.   The primary class and the 3-5 class with 
the most points awarded receives a extra recess period.  We've got them reading!

Beth Yankey Loch Lomond ES Manassas, VA

*****************

 I hope this email is going to help.  I have a tons of issues with AR.  If the 
program is administered correctly it is a great practice tool.  If the program is 
done incorrectly it ruins children!!!!  I have been teaching 21 years and have been 
through most of the ends and outs of AR.  Also, I have two personal children that 
have been involved with AR correctly and now incorrectly.  Let me give you some 
do's and don'ts:

*Do allow children to read out of the ZPD range. (If the child is reading at 85% 
and has passed several test on his/her RL you required, then allow them to get a 
book (Goosebumps) that is below his/her level for free/fun reading.  When is the 
last time that an adult has read a piece that was on their level....NEVER! The 
newspaper is written on an 8th grade reading level???? How many of us to do see 
reading War and Peace?

*Do conference with every child about every book before they test.

*Do make sure that the first test the child takes will be a 100%...i.e. conference:)

*Do verbally praise the child for the great % made on the book.

*Do give every child a goal in the points department you know they can meet.-

*Do allow the student to read the "junk" books that you do not like IF that is what 
is in their interest level.

*DOOOOOO, put a bulletin board in a public place so everyone can see.  I use a race 
track and the students' cars are placed on the correct lap.  Lap one is for 
students with a percentage of 0-25%, Lap 2 26-50%, Lap 3 51-75% and lap 4 is 76% - 
84%.  Finish line is for students who are reading and maintaining an 85% correct or 
better.  The students love to see their car on the board and get angry at 
themselves when they fall below the 85%.  Is it not the goal of NC and the DPI to 
have students profiencent...85% is just that.

DON'TS:

* count as a grade

*make every child in the class have the same number of points....unrealistic!

* do not change a child's ZPD in the middle of a grading period:(

*do not up the points just because they are making 100% on everything...remember 
this is reading practice!

****NEVER make a child read at home for points.  The points you mandate SHOULD be 
(what renlearn inc. says) read in school..... I tell my children to read something 
at home and tell me about it, even if you read the toilet paper:)  They love to 
read the comic strip, directions to a video game.  Is this not the same practice???

*NEVER have a contest to see who can get the most points.  What happens to your EC 
child that only has to get 5 points.

Things that may help:

You can always lower the RL goal during the grading period if you see that the 
child is placed too high. (not done on a daily basis)

You can always lower the points required if you see a child struggling and the 
chart requested to use too many points for that child's level.

Children will start to manipulate the system if you mandate points....there parents 
will get it too!

Allow student's to do reports/projects with their AR book, not just read it.

 

I hope I have helped.  I love the AR program when it is done correctly.  So do the 
children.  If we as educators mess this up, we stop them from being life-long 
readers.  

 You see the Reading Master Classroom Educator under my name, this is certification 
for the AR people at www.renlearn.com 
<https://exchange.columbus.k12.nc.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=c0f9478e19af42df889732202e7ce4ac&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.renlearn.com>
 .  Check this out.

Let me know you rec'd this and what you think please.  I am very passionate about 
this topic.

Mrs. Beth Sellers  Reading Master Classroom Educator  Fourth Grade  North 
Elementary School  704-734-5663

***********************

I read your post on the listserv and thought I share with you what we're doing this 
year as an incentive with AR.  I've attached the page from our website that gives 
the basics (the guidelines are on the bottom block).  A few particulars about the 
program:

 

                    --We have many AR tests so the kids have quite a selection (you 
could lower the expected numbers for each level)

                    --The rewards are not given as they reach each level.  On May 
15th, whatever the number of books they've 

                       read (with passing ARs) is what reward they'll receive.

                    --As stated for each 10 books read they can enter their name 
for an ipod drawing (if funds prevail we are 

                        going to draw two names).............after 50 books they 
can still enter their name for each 10 books read.

      

Once every 3-4 weeks we post on a bulletin board who has reached each level.  The 
assistant principal has actually gotten into it as well.

It's easy maintence and the admin is helping out with expenses.  Mid year we have 1 
over 50, 1 over 40, 3 over 30, 8 over 20, and 29 over 10.

Let me know if you'd like any more info.

 

Kathy

 

If you need to get in touch I would use my home account at readinglady52@gmail.com 
<https://exchange.columbus.k12.nc.us/owa/redir.aspx?C=c0f9478e19af42df889732202e7ce4ac&URL=mailto%3areadinglady52%40gmail.com>
    Our school filter is getting very picky. :-)

Kathy Howard, Librarian  Warrenton Middle School  244 Waterloo Road  Warrenton, VA  
20186  540-347-6160

***************

Hope these help someone out there as much as they have helped me.
 
Julie Sellers
Nakina Middle School
Columbus County, North Carolina
910-642-8301
jsellers@columbus.k12.nc.us



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