We have used AR for years, but this is the first time so many students hate reading. I think it is more a result of the constant emphasis on testing.
We have had this debate on AR before-I don't think the program itself causes love or hate of reading. It is a comprehension check that allows a lot of freedom for children to check out different books if their library is well stocked and the teacher doesn't have to have read every book-it can get a student out of the basal. Extrinsic rewards are optional-but they can be motivating when a child is a struggling reader and doesn't yet get rewarded from the thrill of reading because it is still too much work. But-if the child keeps practicing reading gets easier and the intrinsic reward kicks in. I teach third and I use AR as a part of the grade-but I'm always flexible about it as I am flexible about leveled reading. There are so many pieces to the reading puzzle-isn't it a mosaic? Laura _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
