Using Accelerated Reader in Summer Reading Programs

Research shows that students who do not read during the summer can experience significant learning loss.
Simply assigning a typical summer reading assignment is not enough to prevent this. Kids need access to
books at their reading level, along with guided independent reading practice. This is where Accelerated Reader™
(AR™) and Successful Reader™ can help.

Summer reading programs often look and feel much different than those used during the regular school year.
This website is designed to help you access the information you need to get your summer reading program
running smoothly. Here are some ideas to help you use AR in Summer Reading Programs, including checklists
and tips for setting up your program.

For your struggling readers who need more direct instruction and lack an interest in reading, we have
developed Successful Reader. Successful Reader is a core reading intervention program for students
in grades 4-12 that incorporates a motivating Instructional Book Club featuring professionally
narrated audio books of some of the most popular and engaging titles available. Since it
builds on Accelerated Reader and STAR Reading, you can be confident that your students
will get the appropriate practice they need and you'll get the progress monitoring
reports that you need. It's the perfect way to keep your struggling readers engaged
over the summer!

With Successful Reader, you can help struggling students:

Master critical reading-practice skills
Build comprehension and vocabulary
Develop fluency through modeling
Gain a love of books

Using Your Public Library

Here are some documents explaining how schools can partner with public libraries to promote reading with Accelerated Reader:

Bringing the Public Library into Your School’s Accelerated Reader Program
This document provides some basic background information on AR and suggests some ways to involve your public library.

How Public Libraries Can Support Best Practices in Local School Use of Accelerated Reader
This document provides some background information on AR for librarians so they can better help students work within the framework of an Accelerated Reader program.

Finding Books

Easily find books with Accelerated Reader Quizzes with AR BookFinder™, the free, web-based book-searching tool. Here, you will find Tips for Using AR BookFinder.

Student Reading Log

A log can help students keep track of their reading and provide motivation by showing how much they have accomplished.

Click here to download our reading log template

Click here to see a completed sample

Reading Certification

Did you know there is an individual classroom certification for Summer School Reading? This certification level recognizes your ability to help students continue to improve as readers during the summer months. You can find more information in our training center by clicking here: Summer Reading Certification.

Information for Parents

It’s been proven that the more parents are involved in their child’s education, the more success their son or daughter will have. Here are some critical tips and links for parents that will help them guide their child toward gaining even more from your Summer AR reading program. Click Here for Information and Tips for Parents.