Motivating Students with Accelerated Reader

At my school it is a requirement for all students to achieve a certain amount of AR points each quarter depending on their reading level. I have many students that are intrinsically motivated or just love to read and get far above their required points. However, there are those that just won't read. I try to help the kids find books that interest them, but that doesn't always work. I had a student this year who failed the class just because he didn't even read one book his last semester. If anyone is having similar experiences, how do you motivate your students?

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kim Sullivan on June 9, 2012 at 8:10pm

I think this happens in all schools. My son is required to raise his goal every quarter. If they meet their goal then they receive a reward. The rewards vary but at the end of the year they take a picnic to the park for all that have made it. Quarter goals are pizza party lunch, ice cream, movie and popcorn, and pajama day. My son is going to enter fourth grade and he loves to make his goal but at times it is difficult. I do read with him at home and he likes his one on one time with mom so that is a motivator.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by C Hutcheson on June 10, 2012 at 1:46pm

We have similar expectations at our school. But by fifth grade the reading levels vary so widely that students are also dealing with social pressure because of "baby books". I require them to read 70 pages (15 a night) or take a test every week.I do a few things to help them succeed: I have tried to read every book in our library and take brief notes on them. We have "book talk" time every couple days, where I share the main conflict in a few of the books I've read and I watch to see which eyes light up. Every few days I walk the room while students are working on something else and ask to see their book (required to go home and back every day!). Because I have read it, I can get excited about it, guide them, encourage them, or hold them more accountable at recess. When a student finishes an AR quiz, we discuss it, usually in front of the class (2 minutes), and others get excited about it. If they did not pass the AR quiz with an 80% (sometimes a 70% depending on the student) I'll discuss the book with them. If they clearly have not read it then they must reread the book and retake the test (this has probably had the greatest positive effect of all; they are absolutely accountable for what they read.). At times I retake it with them or allow a friend to help them. On occasion I sit and read aloud with the student, getting them started or moving them forward faster~ 5 minutes can be a lot of pages when I'm reading! AR really works for us~ my kids leave fifth grade viewing themselves as "readers" and having read an enormous amount.

Any other ideas? I love it, Kim, that you read with your child at home. That would be the best!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Melinda Makings on June 10, 2012 at 4:00pm

I would love it if all parents would read with their children at home, and for the older students at least encourage them to read.

I think its a great idea that you discuss books with your students. We have AR day once a week for grades 7-12. This would be a good to hear about what they are reading. Unfortunately, I know I haven't read everything in our high school library, but if the students know they will have to talk about the book, I could see it motivating them to read.

Thanks for the ideas.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ruchita Parat on June 12, 2012 at 3:56am

Its not necessary that all kids love to read. There are some who totally get hooked and a few others who cant do it at all. Maybe you can find out what interests these children and initially give them the book on their favorite topic. This is one ea to lure kids into reading books.