AR GUIDE
GRADE 1
First grade is a very exciting time as far as reading is concerned. Some of the children are already able to read books alone when they enter the first grade, but many of them won't be able to read until the third or fourth quarter of first grade (some even later). I want to stress that Accelerated Reader is supposed to be FUN! Remember, these kids are practicing their reading so they can master the skill.
When they enter first grade they will be starting at the "RED" level. These books are levels 0-1.4 (1.4 means the fourth month of grade 1). The student will choose a book in the school library from the red level. They will take the book home and read it. When they have finished reading the book they will take the AR test at their classroom computer or in the Resource Center. (Check with your child's teacher about times they may take tests.) We do not make a big deal of how well the child does on the AR test. Regardless of the score, students in grade 1 receive a sticker to put on their classroom's chart in the library. (When they finish a line on the chart they move to the "Grade 1 AR Star" chart.)
After they have read 3 books "alone" (someone may sit with them and listen to them read the book) and scored a 90 or 100 percent on 3 quizzes they will be moved up to the "BLUE" level. These books are reading levels 1.5-1.9. If the student needs help with more than 2 or 3 different words they should not say they read it by themselves. We don't want to move them up to harder books before they are ready to be moved up. We want them to be successful! They will be moved up to higher levels as they succeed at each level. At some point, they will reach a level they are comfortable with and should go no higher for awhile.
Each book has a point value. As the students take quizzes they accumulate points. Most picture books are worth 0.5 (one-half) point. The points may be used at the AR Store which is open once a month during school. All of the classes have a chance to come down at a scheduled time.
Certificates are awarded quarterly to students as they progress through the program. Not all first grade students will get a certificate. For information about the certificates go to CERTIFICATES .
