When visiting their school library, many students choose books to read based solely on the book's cover image. Use the recommendation and guidance provided by the Accelerated Reading program to help students make book choices that are at their independent reading level. As students finish books independently at school, encourage them to complete the comprehension quiz to gain reward points and slowly raise their reading level.
As students read books at their own independent reading level and complete the comprehension quizzes, their reading fluency and comprehension will improve dramatically. This intrinsic reward is invaluable. To further motivate students, offer external rewards for accumulated points based on successful quiz scores. For example, the Seaford School District in Delaware offers students who receive 10 Accelerated Reader points a pencil, 25 points earns a scoop of ice cream, 35 points earns a book mark, 50 points earns extra computer time, 75 points earns extra recess, 100 points earns the student's right to sit at the teacher's desk all day, 125 points earns a lunch at McDonald's and 150 points earns the student the right to teach a lesson.
As students earn points from demonstrating success on quizzes, print the class report using the Accelerated Reader program and chart the progress students are making on a bulletin board. Cut a white fence of construction paper. Each student can make their own flower using construction paper. Invite them to be creative and personalize their flower. Label the edge of the fence with quiz point increments, such as 10, 25, 35, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150. As students accumulate points each week, move their flower through the chart. Many students are motivated to gain points in order to move their flower. An alternate chart is a race track theme. Invite students to design and create their own car. Use a long strip of white or gray paper to fasten around the top edge of the classroom. Label the point increments along the paper. As students achieve points, move their cars along the track respectively.
Invite students who have achieved exceptional progress in the Accelerated Reader program to a class pizza party or ice cream social. As students become aware of a special party reward, many will be motivated to read enough to be invited to this celebration of reading success. Reading goals for this semester reward should be based on each grade level. For example, first grade students should not be expected to gain the same number of points as fifth grade students. The Accelerated Reader program will help set appropriate goals for each grade level.