Linda response to AR

In response to everyone's dislike comments concerning AR, I tend to disagree. The fact is I am bias because my sister is the school librarian and I've seen her reach a lot of non-readers through the program. She strives to order the books that will interest the kids the most and has great curriculum ideas to keep them engaged and excited about reading. I worked with her for a short time when she returned to our district and we taught together in the library. We had a great time creating and implementing lessons for the kids. Granted we are not in a very large school, so it is much easier to know every kid's interests and hangups, but is there anything better then getting the child that isn't necessarily excited about reading turned on to topics that grab their attention and cause them to crave the next book about whaterver it is they enjoy. Yes, I am saying that my sister is great at her job, :) but I also say that if the AR program is approached with enthusiasm and creativity it is a wonderful way to get every child reading. I think it's just a matter of finding what moves them and then creating tests that they can get the points and credit for if necessary. We have a special section in our library of chapter books that are not high level (1.0-3.0), for the kid who doesn't want a "kiddy, easy" book, but struggles with the longer, wordier ones. They are worth a varied number of points. This way they still appear to be on a more even playing field as their peers, and they don't have to be uncomfortable with the books they choose. And we try to accomadate the strong readers by having books available from the jr./sr. high and public libraries, and having neat activities like William Allen White contests and such. All level of readers are encouraged to find something that excites them, and I fell like AR gives them a way to see how much they can improve their reading just by simply reading about things they enjoy, that they pick out. There may be the few kids who it doesn't turn into lifelong readers, but we at least try to capture the minds and interests of as many as we can. I agree that reading is a vital part of a kid's future, and I hope I can reach my students and convey how enjoyable, not only essential, it can be.