New Reading Approach in School
All pupils from Year 2 upwards (except those still in the phonics groups) will now be using Accelerated Reader and the library for reading books home.
Every pupil taking part receives a ZPD reading range (e.g., 2.4–3.5) from their STAR assessment. This range guides pupils to books that are the right level of challenge.
Examples of ZPD ranges pupils might receive:
• 1.6–2.2 → Simple chapter books / early readers
• 2.4–3.5 → Short, structured chapter books (many of our Y3–Y4 readers)
• 3.6–4.5 → Longer, more detailed chapter books
• 4.6–5.5 → Confident readers tackling more complex texts
• 5.6+ → Advanced readers ready for sophisticated vocabulary and themes
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How the routine works
• Pupils visit the library and choose a book within their ZPD level
• They scan their name barcode and then the book out using the laptop and scanner – (Libresoft Librarian software) pupil barcodes kept in the green folder in the library.
• They take the book home to read 📖
• When finished, they complete an AR quiz online for that book
• They scan the book back in when returning it.
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What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a reading programme that gives each pupil a reading level, helps them choose books at an appropriate challenge level, and tracks their comprehension through quizzes.
Why are we using it?
We are using AR to:
• Match pupils to books that fit their reading ability
• Monitor reading progress through quizzes and half‑termly assessments
• Provide teachers with consistent, high‑quality reading data
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How STAR Assessments Work (completed half‑termly)
Every pupil completes a STAR Reading Assessment once every half‑term.
This adaptive assessment provides:
• A ZPD range
• A reading age
• Scaled scores and diagnostic information
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Taking an Online Quiz
After reading a book, pupils:
• Log in to Accelerated Reader via MyLogin
• Search for their book
• Complete the comprehension quiz
These quizzes help teachers track understanding and ensure pupils remain within their ZPD.
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How This Links to Our Library
Our library shelves are organised by ZPD levels (1–8), with most pupils choosing books between Levels 2–5. These are clearly labelled to make book selection easier and more independent.
Using Libresoft Librarian (Library scanner and laptop)
Libresoft Librarian is our school’s cloud‑based library management system. It makes borrowing and returning books simple for pupils and keeps accurate records of what they have borrowed, returned, and read.
Pupils can:
• Log in using their barcode
• View their current loans
• See their recently borrowed books
The system stores a full loan history so pupils and teachers can track reading habits over time.
Teacher access
Teachers will also have access to the Libresoft site to view pupil borrowing information, reading history, and loan activity. This helps staff monitor reading engagement across both AR and Libresoft.
Kate M is the library manager, and our volunteer librarians will be assisting and keeping the area organised. If you have any questions, please contact Kate. 😀