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Accelerated Reader

📚 Reading for Enjoyment at High Halden

We believe reading should be so much more than a school task. It’s a gateway to drama, enrichment, imagination, and escapism. Our aim is to nurture a lifelong love of books—where children read not just to learn, but because they want to.

That’s why we use Accelerated Reader (AR): a powerful tool that motivates children, supports their independence, and helps teachers track and support progress.

💡 What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a computer-based programme that helps children become confident, capable readers.

Here’s how it works:

  1. 📖 Children choose a book within their reading range.

  2. 👓 They read it at their own pace.

  3. 🧠 When finished, they take a short quiz on the computer.

  4. ✅ Passing the quiz shows that they’ve understood the book—not just read the words.

🔍 Comprehension is key: AR doesn’t just test reading fluency; it focuses on understanding—such as retrieving details, making inferences, and justifying ideas.

🔗 Try a sample quiz here: View Quiz Example

🧠 AR Frequently Asked Questions

📊 How is my child’s reading level decided?

Teachers use:

  • STAR Reading test results

  • Previous reading assessments

  • Professional judgment based on how your child reads in class

🌟 What is the STAR Reading Test?

STAR Reading is an adaptive online assessment that adjusts questions based on your child’s answers:

  • Correct answers = more challenging questions

  • Incorrect answers = easier questions

🕒 It takes about 15 minutes and is designed to be stress-free and accurate.

🔢 What is a Book Level?

A Book Level measures the complexity of a text, based on:

  • Vocabulary

  • Sentence structure

  • Grammar (not how many pictures or pages it has!)

Children select books within their recommended ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).

📈 What is a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

ZPD refers to a personalised range of book levels that will challenge your child without overwhelming them. As they improve, their ZPD shifts to reflect their growth.

📚 Reading within the ZPD helps:

  • Build confidence

  • Boost comprehension

  • Encourage enjoyment

🧩 Can my child read outside their ZPD?

Yes—but with care. Just because a child can decode the words doesn’t mean they’ll understand the content. Some books are harder because of complex ideas, not difficult vocabulary. We guide children to choose books that are:

  • 🧠 Age-appropriate

  • 📖 Interesting

  • 🎯 Comprehensible

📚 How many quizzes are there?

There are over 12,000 quizzes, covering everything from classic literature to new releases. Our school library stocks a wide selection—and we’re always looking to expand.

📦 Have books in good condition to donate? We’d love to check if they’re compatible with AR!

🔍 How can I check if a book has a quiz?

The easiest way is to use the AR BookFinder tool:

🌐 Visit: www.arbookfind.co.uk

You can search by:

  • Book title

  • Author

  • ISBN

  • Topic or interest

Or, your child can bring a book into school to check directly on our system.

🎉 Final Thought

Reading should feel like an adventure—not a chore. Accelerated Reader helps make that possible by combining motivation, comprehension, and choice. With your support at home, we can help every child discover books they truly love.