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Mrs. Lauber - 2nd Grade
Frequently Asked Questions About AR Reading
What is Reading Renaissance?
Reading Renaissance is a rebirth of teaching reading utilizing these concepts:
Students need to practice reading - 60 to 70 min./daily grade 2
Students need to practice at their comfort level – Using AR Books
Students will be provided with a reward and motivation system
Students will receive daily Mini Instructional Reading Lessons
Teachers are provided with Computer based management system.
When do students practice reading?
We have two practice reading times during the school day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon. During those times your child may be reading alone, to a peer partner, to a mother helper, or to the teacher. It is recommended that the children practice reading at home (10 to 15 min per night). Most students are using the practice time at school wisely.
Should my child leave their AR book at home until they are ready to test?
NO. Please have your child bring their AR book to school everyday, even if they did not have time to practice at home in the evening. We do have practice time at school. It is important for them to have the AR book at school. If they are not ready to test because they did not have enough time to practice they may test the following day.
What percent should my child be achieving on the tests?
Ideally your child should be averaging 80% to 90% on the tests. If your child is constantly averaging between 95% and 100% he/she probably is not being challenged and will most likely be asked to read books on a higher level very soon. When the next color of books (or cart) is added to your child’s list their average may go down for couple of weeks. That’s OK! They should begin doing better soon. I do a weekly check and may make adjustments as necessary. If your child is averaging below 80% he/she needs more on task practice time including reading with practice sessions. This involves reading to your child sentence by sentence or page by page. Student then repeats what has been read to them. Another technique that is helpful is reading simultaneously with your child.
How is the comfort zone for each student determined?
Your child’s comfort level is determined the STAR reading test at the beginning, middle and end of the school year.
When will my child have a color of book (the dots on the back of the books) changed or their level moved up?
This will vary for each child. I like for a student to have at least 4 good weeks (averaging 92% or better) and earning 2 points (which means around 4 picture books or a couple of 1 point chapter books) a week before they move up a color (or cart). They also must average the reading level of their comfort zone. Please do not be in a big hurry for your child to advance through the carts. There are many fun and interesting books for your child to enjoy in each cart.
Does my child need to test on every book he/she checks out?
NO. If your child or you occasionally thinks a book to too difficult or your child does not like the book they may return the book with out finishing and without testing. Please indicate this on your child’s reading log with a quick note of explanation.
Does my child need to take a test everyday?
No, but most students will take one a day, especially if they are reading yellow, green, blue or red picture books. As they move into the books with black dots or chapter books the books are harder, longer and worth more points, therefore they may not be ready to test every day.
How many times should my child read a book?
If they are reading yellow, green, blue or red picture books I strongly suggest they practice reading the book three (3) times before taking a test. If they are reading chapter books 1 careful reading usually is sufficient.
Does reading only consist of AR books.
No. Students receive daily instruction in Phonics, Grammar and Punctuation, Comprehension, and Written Language.
