Million Word Challenge

1. Million Word Challenge

2. Our objective is to encourage students to read each and every night. “The more students read, the better they get at it; the better they get at it, the more they like it, and the more they like it, the more they do it.” (James Trelease, founder of Reading Tree Productions.) We believe that if we get students in the habit of reading, it will be an important part of their lives and something they love to do.

3. Purpose and Research Based Why read ONE MILLION WORDS? Students should read ONE MILLION WORDS to gain new vocabulary and increase their reading skill. Reading extensively increases the vocabulary students need to improve comprehension of increasingly difficult materials that they encounter as they move through their educational careers (25 Books Campaign; America’s Choice, 2005). Students who read ONE MILLION WORDS a year encounter between 15,000 and 30,000 new words. “Incidental learning of words from context while reading is, or can be, the major mode of vocabulary growth once students have begun to really read” (Nagy, and Herman, 1987). Additionally, when students read widely and deeply in elementary school, they acquire the necessary background knowledge that helps them construct meaning, which is critical to becoming a successful reader.

4. Kick Off It is important to begin this challenge with a bang! We really want to build excitement with the students, so they will want to succeed and meet the challenge. Our Book of the Month, Fandango Stew is the springboard for our challenge and special events this month! The kick-off for our challenge will be Monday, September 12th. Join us at our morning Roundup for a little taste of what’s to come!

5. The Challenge It is important for the challenge to involve everyone. Not only are the students issued the challenge, but the teachers and staff are too. In fact, we are trying to promote our love our literacy throughout the school. Each student will have a locker tag to label their locker and to record the most recent book read. Teachers will have a special frame outside their room to update their reading selections.

6. Goal Requirements How do students determine that they read ONE MILLION WORDS? Students will be required to read a specific number of books based on grade level criteria, which will equal approximately ONE MILLION WORDS. Students and classes will complete daily reading logs and teachers will hold reading conferences with students to check the status of their logs. Students will be counting books read during school and outside of school time. Mrs. Merki will discuss with each student their progress toward their goal and the books they are reading in and out of class.

7. Celebrating Success Celebrating student progress toward achieving their goal reinforces the messages that reading is important. We will recognize students at a school-wide shindig each time they meet a goal check point. For all students that reach their ONE MILLION WORDS goal, they will earn a “rip roaring good” time in May for roping up their accomplishment.

8. Getting Everyone Involved Parents and guardians are valuable partners in our challenge. By reading aloud to your children and encouraging them to read independently, parents strengthen their children’s reading and reinforce the message that reading is critically important. Students often require parental encouragement if they are to read at home.

9. So Come On Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas, and Uncles and Aunts! Join Thompson Trailblazers as we take on the MILLION WORD CHALLENGE THIS YEAR!