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What is the Million Word Challenge?
What is the Million Word Challenge?
The Million Word Challenge is a school-wide initiative developed to encourage students to devour as much printed text as physically possible. The theory behind this stems from the reality that the more any of us read, the smarter we become - not just in our English classes but in ALL aspects of life. Reading gives the brain a workout in multiple complex cognitive functions, which can help slow - and in come cases even prevent - the invasion of mental disease. Additionally, aside from actually acquiring information and, thus, becoming more intelligent, reading can also expand your vocabulary, enhance your critical and analytical thinking skills, help improve your concentration and focus, sharpen your memory, refine your writing skills, reduce stress, and feed your imagination. Understanding the role reading plays into all of these factors is the rationale behind the creation of the Million Word Challenge.
"Common sense should tell us that reading is the ultimate weapon--destroying ignorance, poverty and despair before they can destroy us. A nation that doesn't read much doesn't know much. And a nation that doesn't know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box and the voting booth . . . The challenge, therefore, is to convince future generations of children that carrying a book is more rewarding than carrying guns." - Jim Trelease
So How Does the Million Word Challenge Work?
So How Does the Million Word Challenge Work?
Students will read as much as they can throughout the school year, checking each book's word count at www.arbookfind.com or at Word Counters. When students complete each book, they will make an appointment with Mrs. Gary to discuss different aspects of their book selection. At the end of this academic meeting, students will provide Mrs. Gary with their book's word count, which Mrs. Gary will log and display within the classroom. At each quarter interval (250,000 words; 500,000 words; and 750,000 words), students will receive prizes that have not yet been determined. (We do know that these prizes will be Southside High swag that will only be able to be snagged through the Million Word Challenge!) At the MILLION WORD mark, students will receive a special SHS reward along with school-wide recognition of their accomplishment!
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