Library 

Read, Quiz, Grow: Launching Renaissance Reading 2026 

Article by Paige Witcombe, Library Leader, Yirramboi Campus 

This week, we were excited to launch the 2026 Renaissance Reading program for Year 5 – 8 students during library lessons. This independent reading program supports students in developing strong reading habits while building comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence. 

Reading plays a vital role in student learning across all subject areas. Regular reading helps to strengthen literacy skills, expand vocabulary, and develop critical thinking and imagination. Through this program, students are encouraged to read widely and consistently, while being supported to choose books that are both engaging and appropriately challenging. 

How the program works 

Students complete the Star Reading Assessment (an adaptive, multiple choice screening test), which provides each student with a personalised reading range. Using this range, students will: 

• Choose books that match their ability and interests  

• Read independently during class and at home  

• Complete an Accelerated Reader quiz after finishing a book to check their understanding  

Success in these quizzes shows that students are not only reading, but also comprehending what they have read. 

Understanding reading ranges 

A reading range indicates the complexity of a text, not a student’s age or year level. Students are encouraged to read within their range to ensure the right balance of challenge and success. Reading ranges represent the difficulty of the text. Each student is given a range to choose books from, for example 4.5 to 5.8, to challenge them without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Students need to read with a high degree of comprehension and within the given reading range.  It is important to remember that reading level does not reflect content or maturity. Students are supported in selecting books that are just right for them with an appropriate level of complexity and maturity. 

Finding the right book 

Students can access a wide variety of books through the Middle School Library, including print, eBooks, and audiobooks. During library lessons, they are guided in how to find books within their reading range and develop independence in their choices. If your child prefers to read books from home, you can check whether a title has an available quiz using the AR BookFinder website. If a book is not listed, students are still encouraged to read it - there simply won’t be a quiz attached. 

How families can support reading at home 

You can support your child by: 

• Encouraging 20–30 minutes of reading each day  

• Asking them about what they are reading  

• Creating opportunities for shared reading at home  

• Visiting your local library 

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If you would like further information please explore the Renaissance Accelerated Reader website or if you have any specific questions, please contact your child’s English teacher or the Middle School Library.