My district uses Accelerated Reader (AR), which is a computer program that allows students to take reading and vocabulary tests after they complete a book. We have class competitions, track their word count, test them every so often to see what their reading level is, and with each book that they read and pass a test (up to 60%) they earn points. My new school is vigorous about A.R. They get really competitive and encourage students to get to the “Millionaires Club”- reading one million words in a school year. I set monthly AR goals for my students. Each trimester I increase how many points my students must have. At the beginning of the year I tell them that they need to reach 7 points a month.
One of my goals for this next school year is to have a more organized classroom. This includes my classroom library. Most of my books are packed away in storage waiting to be transferred by the District to my new school site, but I found a box full of 100 books in my garage and decided to organize them.
I created these stickers to put on the inside cover of each of the books:
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| You can download these stickers/labels on my TpT store for FREE |
I spent my Friday night labeling the books I found. I was able to find out the reading level, point value and quiz number (which is what the student’s need to take their test) on the Renaissance Learning teacher website. I turned on a movie and went to town:
Now I have to figure out how to organize my classroom library: by level? by genre? How do you organize your classroom library?
We use AR at our school and it is very competitive too. I never thought of having a monthly goal. Mine was always for the trimester. I like the montly more. I made the change to have only AR books in my classroom library last year. They are organized by reading level. It makes it easier for my kiddos since they are first graders. They only have to look at the color of the book to know what they level of the book is, and it is easier for them to put them away.
Heather
The Busy Busy Hive
I enjoy reading your blog and nominated you for an award! Check out my blog to find out more!
Jane
Learning in the Little Apple
What a WONDERFUL post! Thank you so much for it! And trust me…you are not the only one who does nerdy teachery things on Friday night (or any other night!) I am queen of nerds…I am trying to get organized and my classroom library is one of my priorities! Thanks so much for the label template! I can't wait to use it! I am using an app called "classroom organizer"that allows you to make a database by scanning your ISBN into your phone or Ipad…so far it is working well. Some of the books I have to input manually…try it and let me know what you think 🙂
Teri
5th Grade Tomfoolery
Being in 2nd, I have sorted my books by level. There are also some I have by topic as well (holidays, subject area). I want my students to be sure to have appropriate books on hand for reading time.
My 5th grade friend also levels here books using the guided reading leveling system. She can easily pair up books with her students that way. She has found that her kids read more and actually finish a book when it is on their level.
Good luck!
Amy, your newest follower!
Where Seconds Count
Thank you for stopping by my blog! I saw this post and had to comment because our district uses AR as well. We have school wide competitions, etc. and I use it in my classroom to keep track of my student's reading goals. Last year, I expected my students to read 4 chapter books per month (40 books per year) and they had to take AR tests on them so I could monitor their progress.
Well, after entering the blogging world just a few weeks ago, I bought the book, "The Book Whisperer", and started reading it. The author does not promote AR and now I am having so many conflicting thoughts! I really can't give it up (the school has contests!). However, I do feel like I have done a lot right by allowing the students to choose their books by interest (I have my books arranged by genre or "themes" like sports, mystery, humor, etc.) and really don't emphasize how many AR points they have to earn. One thing I did require was that the book had to be a 4.0 level or higher starting in November since my group was the top reading group. I gave them a couple months to catch the reading bug and read easier chapter books if they chose to.
I just organized my chapter books by using a colored dot with the AR level written on it and taped over with book binding tape on the binding. I used a different colored dot for each grade level 2nd to 6th but keep the books sorted by interest theme. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Book Whisperer if you have read it. My brain is like mush!! Sorry for the never ending post! Thank you:)
~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
I say genre!! Especially since you have older students. I feel like my students really loved to be able to find books they loved easily. I too had them leveled, but try to make sure each genre or subject has a variety of levels so all students can have access to that topic. AND I have all my books with AR dots and the quiz number inside… and I think this year they are nixing AR! Haha of course. Oh well at least they're leveled! 🙂 Love your little labels. Cute!
Amanda
Reaching for the TOP!
Thanks so much for the label freebie! This will be fabulous! Stop by my blog….it is new…so not much on it yet!
I completely admire your sticker organization! My students use a classroom binder with an alphabetized list of AR books to see the points and level of classroom books. My library is organized by genre because I think this helps to teach genre. I always enjoy reading your ideas.
I'm your newest follower! I made you 201..but I'm sure with such a great blog you'll be at 300 before you know it. Just happened upon you and glad I did…can't wait to check out your blog more!
I organize by genre. I really like it. I use the plastic shoe boxes and they fit around 15-20 chapter books each. I wrote the AR level on the inside cover (which your stickers would have made SO much cuter!) . I don't sort by AR just because I worry students won't explore as much because they'll think their choices are limited. Sometimes they'll read a tough book because it interests them! (Thanks for stopping by .. I added your button to my page. LOVE your blog)!