What books are your favorites? Let's post the titles here! Let me know when you want to share!!

      Accelerated Reader is a computer based program from Renaissance Learning.  Students choose a book.  After reading the book, they take a comprehension test on the computer.  The test is then given a percentage score, and the students earn points based on that percentage score.  Except in special situations, tests will be taken one time only.

     In fifth grade, Accelerated Reader is incorporated into each month's Book-it goal, and a grade for points earned and for the comprehension percentage is given each month.  Students will be assigned a monthly goal and will earn a letter grade based on the number of points they earn in the month.  The average percentage grade earned on their tests will also be figured in.  Earning an AR letter grade of at least a 'C' is the requirement of each student's Book-it goal.  4 ACR points per month are needed to attain a 'C'.  Students who are not in the room daily for our Lit Circle time need only 3 ACR points per month.  If at the end of the month, a student does not have enough points to earn at least a 'C' for the month, then that student will not attend recess or special activities until the goal is met.  At this level, usually reading only one book per month is needed to meet this minimum requirement.

     Between the Warner Library and our classroom library, students will have an extensive selection of AR books to choose from.  Many of the books offered in our Scholastic book orders are also on the AR list, and AR titles may also be found in the Alexander Mitchell Library in Aberdeen. In addition to the books already identified as AR books, the program has capabilities to add teacher-made tests.   The books are clearly marked with AR stickers, and there is a list of the titles in our program available for student use.  Also, students can use the computer to check to see if a title is in the program.  Always check to make sure a book is an AR book before reading the book.  Books which have been made into movies require special permission to be counted for our AR program.  Also, books for the fifth grade AR program must be at a 4.0 or higher grade level and cannot have been read in previous years.

    If you wish to read a book that meets our AR standards, but is not on the AR list, please visit with me before reading the book, and we will see what can be worked out.  In no way do I want to discourage you from reading books not on AR.  I hope that you will read any and all books that interest you!!  However, in order for you to meet the requirements of the fifth grade AR program, the books you read must be within our AR system.  Adding a test to the system requires that I read the book, write a test, and then enter it into the program.  Time and limited space then become factors, so I ask that you please choose books from our list.  If this is a concern for you, please visit with me, and we will work together on a solution.

     Students may earn AR points for their monthly goals through independent reading, Literature Circle, and Lunch Bunch readings.  Any student who earns 225 AR points during the year will become a member of the fifth grade AR Adventure Club.  Members of the Adventure Club may put ideas for an end of the year "adventure" into a jar.  At the end of the school year, an "adventure" will be drawn out and all members of the club will be eligible to participate!  Points which count toward the Adventure Club may be earned from independent reading, buddy reading, read-a-louds, Literature Circles, Lunch Bunch, and class novels.  In addition, for every 15 AR points earned, students have a choice of an Extra Credit Grade or a Half-an-Assignment coupon! 

     Extra Credit can also be earned by doing a monthly Creative Project based on a book the student has read.  Some examples of a Creative Project are: dress like a main character, do a power point, create a poster or an advertisement, develop a game based on the book, etc.  A folder with ideas for creative projects is available.  If a student decides to do a Creative Project, it must be a different type of Creative Project each month.

WHEW!! Is your head spinning from all this information?!   

Please don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you are unsure what all this means.

Second Semester 2005

2005-2006

George Washington's Socks

The Family Under the Bridge

MRS. E.'S

ACR LITERARY READING CLUB!

Old Yeller

Sounder

 2006-2007

GUIDELINES:

1) Together, as group, decide how far to read.  Read independently.

2) Complete 'bookmark' for each session.

3) Meet Mondays and Thursdays over lunch to discuss readings.

4) May not attend if #1 and #2 are not completed.  However, may attend next meeting if caught up.

Number the Stars

Sadako Two groups: Boys and Girls

                     A Wrinkle in Time

Strider

Sounder

Maniac McGhee

Thanks, Mrs. C., for reading with us again this year!!

Dive group with Mr. Vaughn's diving equipment!