BookSharp
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What is BookSharp?

Book Sharp is reading incentive program designed for second-fifth grade students. The program helps to improve students' reading comprehension. All books included in the program are leveled and assigned a point relative to the reading level. Students read books on their level and take computerized comprehension tests. If students receive a passing score on the comprehension test, they are awarded points that accumulate over time as additional tests are taken. Students are recognized for achieving goals of 25, 100, and 300 points.

 


Student Recognition

25
points

 Student's picture is put on BookSharp bulletin board.
100 points Student receives a medal.
300 points Student enter the BookSharp Hall of Fame and receives a trophy.



Pros

  • Students are rewarded for reading books appropriate for their reading level.
  • Recipients of prizes are highly regarded in the school.
  • Students can read and take tests independently at their own speed.

 

 

 

 

 

Cons

  • Point values assigned to books are relative to the book's reading level. Therefore, those students reading at lower levels must read more books to achieve the point goals.
  • Computerized comprehension tests do not promote higher order thinking skills.
  • Students are unable to track their own point values.
  • Students only read books on their level, which may mean they are missing out on quality literature that is not included in these leveled groups.

 

 


The Last Word...

BookSharp appears to be a takeoff of Accelerated Reader in that students read books on their reading level and take corresponding computer-based comprehension tests. Points are awarded for passing grades on computer-based tests, much like Accelerated Reader. It appears that this program would best be used on an individual school basis as the awards are linked to the school. As is the case with Accelerated Reader, higher order thinking reading comprehension skills are not promoted by these tests. Overall, it appears that this program would best be used as an extension of Accelerated Reader.

 

Visit Grayson Elementary's Site for more information