SDS Library News

September 2008                           

First Quarter

Grades 3rd through 8th
        We have spent a lot of time, money and effort on this newest update to our Accelerated Reader Program.  What is SO great about this version, we now have unlimited amount of books tests available.  In the past, we had to purchase tests individually and then download them to our database of tests.  Now with this yearly subscription – we have thousands of tests.  You can go to arbookfind.com and check to see if any book has the test available.  Students quarterly AR goals are determined by their reading teacher from several criteria:  STAR reading test given in the computer lab, reading grades from the previous school year and their Iowa Basic Standardized test score.  It is a great tool to help your student become a stronger reader! 
Preschool through 2nd grade and beyond……………
      We have just discovered some great family web sites that will help you find great books to share.  Check out JustOneMoreBook.com.  This Canadian based site has wonderful summaries of books by age, subject, author or season with wonderful links to author and illustrator information.  You can even listen to their reviews or recommendations.  Another great site is planetesme.com.  This site has a wonderful, friendly search tool with a book a day review.  Another site is ILoveLibraries.org.  The lists of award winning books are good as well as the daily reviews.  Ask your student how to help you find these sites!