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After children finish learning phonics they will then use the Accelerated Reader programme for their individual reading at Hodge Clough. Most children will begin Accelerated Reader towards the end of Year 2. 

Through Accelerated Reader, pupils will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding of what they have read and become used to answering questions based on what they have been reading. Pupils will have a wider choice of books to choose from and not only will the word difficulty of books be matched to their ability, but the content will be also be relevant to their age group.

Here is a brief overview:

The Reading test:

Children will take the reading test termly in school. It is an online test and adjusts to each individual child to see what their strengths and areas for development are. It then gives us useful information such as their ‘reading age’ compared to their chronological age, which will be shared with parents in their reports. The test also gives a ZPD number which informs the children which books match their reading ability.

The ZPD number:

The ZPD number is a range of numbers for your child. For example 2.8-3.4. This means they can choose books that are labelled 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 or 3.4. Your child should be choosing books within their range.

The lower numbers are books that are achievable, accessible and build confidence.

The higher numbers are more challenging for them. This is something to build up to and aim for over time.

The reading books:

Your child’s reading book will have a label to tell you its ZPD number. We are no longer using colour bookbands or reading records when we use Accelerated Reader. The children may choose a book that has previously been used for bookbands or they may choose a book that is a library style free reading book. Either way, it doesn’t matter, as long as the ZPD number matches their ZPD range.

The quizzes:

When your child has finished their reading book they can access ‘Accelerated Reader’ through their Google Classroom and search for their book to take the quiz. Their password will be given by their class teacher. 

Reading with your child, no matter what age, is an important part of developing good reading skills and a lifelong love of reading.

Accelerated Reader is aimed to help children become better readers and encourages children to read more and rewards them for their effort and achievement. When children read books at their appropriate level they experience success and grow in confidence and reading stamina. Children can choose their own books to read. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.