Reading Counts
What is Reading Counts?
Reading Counts is a reading incentive program published by Scholastic.
Students read a book and take a test on the computer when they are finished
reading the book. Points are earned for each computer quiz the student
passes. Prizes are awarded for earning a certain number of points.
When does Reading Counts begin?
Reading Counts begins on September 15. It will continue through most of May.
When should my child read books for Reading Counts?
Books may be read both at school and at home. Some of the books that I read
aloud to the class are Reading Counts books. Parents may read books at home
with their children or the child may read a book on his own. I strongly
encourage students to read whenever they have completed their assignments in
class. We also have free choice reading time every day in class.
How do I know if a book is on the Reading Counts list?
Many familiar and favorite books are on the Reading Counts list. All Lyon
Elementary library books that are also Reading Counts titles are easily
identified by a sticker on the spine of the book. The sticker also
identifies the reading level of the book and the number of points for the
book.
Where can my child get books to read for Reading Counts?
There are many places students may get books to read for this program. You
may already have some of the titles at home. Students may check
out books from the Lyon library or read books from my personal classroom
library. In addition, I always check out a basketful of Reading Counts
books each week from our library so there are always a variety of titles for
students to choose from. You may also find many of these at the public
library.
How do students earn points?
Each book is assigned a point value based on the reading level of the book.
Points are awarded each time a student successfully passes a computerized
quiz. Students must answer 7 of the 10 quiz questions correctly in order to
pass the quiz. If they do not pass the quiz they may retake it the next
day. Students also know how to check their progress on the computer and
keep track of their points on a chart in our classroom.
How many points should my child earn?
The Reading Counts Committee at Lyon determines the number of points
students should earn for each grade level. I encourage students to try to
earn at least 2 points per week. This is an easy goal.
Is my child required to participate in Reading Counts?
The best way to become a better reader is to practice reading frequently.
Grades are not assigned for Reading Counts, but prizes are given for
students who reach their goals and go beyond their goal. Striving to reach a
goal and the feeling of accomplishment when the goal is reached is a source
of pride for most people. A little friendly classroom competition and fun
prizes along the way helps many students go beyond their goal. Independent
reading makes students better readers!
When can students take computerized quizzes?
Students can sign up to take a quiz as soon as they have finished reading
their book. Unless they have signed up to take a quiz, I have no way of
knowing who is ready. Students take quizzes in the order they have signed
up and will always be able to test the same day they sign up. They may also
take the quizzes during their Station Time.
How can I help my child with Reading Counts?
If your child is reading books at home and not taking quizzes, please let me
know. It may be helpful to keep a list of Reading Counts books that are
read at home in their folder. This way I can remind them to sign up, and
the student can type in the title correctly. Also, many quizzes ask
students the name of the author of the book, so be sure they are familiar
with that.
How are the points assigned to the books?
All books are assigned a specific number of points (and color) based on the
reading level of the book.
When are the testing dates?
Reading Counts officially begins on Tuesday,September 15, and will last
all year. Testing will end some time in May.
What are the 2009 - 2010 reading goals and prizes for second grade?
Number of Points Prize
10 Necklace & "10" charm and pencil
25 Bracelet & "20" charm for their necklace
40 Frizbee & "40" charm
60 Water Bottle & "60" charm
80 Dog Tag Necklace & "80" charm
100 Gold Medal & "100" charm
In addition, all students reaching the 100 point goal wll be invited to
attend a Fieldtrip Picnic.
The TOP FIVE readers in 2nd grade with the most points at the end of the year
will be rewarded with a trophy at the end of the year!
