River HomeLink students reached a major literacy milestone this month, reading one million words--or more--since the first day of school. The achievement came as part of English teacher Ryan Anderson's challenge to his students: Read a book for 20 minutes every day since the first day of school. At the average teenage reading pace of about 250 words per minute, the students' intake quickly added up.
By March 16, students who kept up with the routine officially crossed the million-word threshold, a moment the class celebrated as "Million Word Monday.”
The event included a red carpet, confetti and themed snacks like “bookworms” and “chapter chips." Students created drew the spines of their favorite books and, of course, spent some time reading. Each student also received a playful souvenir in the form of a “million-dollar bill” featuring Anderson's likeness.
Looking ahead to the future, students also learned how literacy can influence future earning potential. Small daily habits can lead to big results that turn into an even bigger payout. According to Anderson's meta-research, reading can boost workers' lifetime earning potential by as much as $1 million over the course of their career. Students wrote letters to their future selves to affirm this investment (see below).
Anderson encourages parents to establish reading practices at home as well. "If there's one thing that you can help with, it's developing a lifelong reader," he said. "The research shows that's the best thing that we can do for them and for their academic performance."
As to how families can encourage reading at home, Anderson points to the benefits of adults simply modeling the behavior and letting their children see them read. "If we can do that, then we make readers out of [students]."
A Letter to My Future Self
Subject: I just deposited $1,000,000 into your bank account.
Dear Future Me,
Right now, I’m sitting at a desk (or on the couch) with a book. To be honest, some days I’d rather scroll or nap. But I just did the math, and I realized that these 20 minutes are the highest-paying job I will ever have.
By reading today, I’m not just finishing a chapter. I’m building a “literacy engine.”
Here is what this 20-minute investment is buying you:
A Million-Dollar Gap: Data shows that proficient readers earn over $1,000,000 more in their lifetime than those who don’t read. I’m claiming that million right now.
The Vocabulary Edge: I’m learning the words that the world’s leaders, creators, and earners use. When I get to that big interview or that boardroom ten years from now, we’re going to sound like we belong there.
Cognitive Stamina: Most people can’t focus for more than 30 seconds anymore. By training my brain to focus on these pages, I’m gaining a “focus superpower” that will make us more valuable than any AI or algorithm.
I’m doing the heavy lifting now so that your life is easier, your bank account is fuller, and your world is bigger.
You’re welcome.
Signed,
Your Present Self
