Million Word Challenge

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). When we read a lot and with deep thought in elementary school, we gain background knowledge that helps us understand and make connections, which is critical to becoming a successful reader.

Kick Off It is important to begin this challenge with a bang! Our Book of the Month, Fandango Stew has been the springboard for our challenge and special events today! A school Shindig took place on September 30 to get students excited about the goal of becoming avid readers and the importance of dedicating time each and every day for independent reading.

The Challenge It is important for the challenge to involve everyone. Not only are 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.

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.

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.

MILLION WORD CHALLENGE THIS YEAR? Are you ready to gear up and set out on the trail of reading MILLION WORD CHALLENGE THIS YEAR?