Read a Million Words was launched in October 2004, during National Children’s Book Week. It is a groundbreaking project, which sets a goal for every child to read a million words in a year. Not limited to books, children can experience reading in many different ways. Through innovative and creative means, special opportunities will be made available throughout the city for children to engage in reading and in learning more about their city and the world around them. Depending upon age and ability, the million words target can be achieved by either individuals or class groups.
Bristol City Council is backing the project and is committed to raising literacy standards amongst children in Bristol. The project was initiated by a group of Bristol head teachers who saw a similar successful programme operating in Denver, Colorado.
Read a Million Words is registered as a charity to build upon the initial council funding and maximise the effectiveness of donations. Fundraising is taking place with the aim of providing schools and children across Bristol with access to more reading materials and to storytelling and author events. Several local companies including Somerfield and Starbucks have supported the charity enabling passports and special packs to be delivered to every school.
The project is endorsed by the National Literacy Trust and the Basic Skills Agency and is based at GWR FM, the leading commercial radio station in Bristol, which supports the project and has donated airtime.
Over 145 schools signed up for the challenge, and more than 40,000 children took part in Read a Million Words in the first year.
Read a Million Words Champion Schools
Read a Million Words now works with 30 Champion Schools across the city. Being a Champion School means that your school receives a programme of literacy events over one year as well as a dedicated Read a Million Words Account Handler. The team work closely with your school to encourage reading for pleasure and purpose, and work together in partnership to improve the whole school reading environment.
The aim is to encourage children to enjoy reading and to read more.
Read a Million Words engages children and encourages them to drive their own learning. Their website has been redeveloped and visitors can now travel through the interactive ‘Land of a Million Words’. Children can record their personal reading journey in their very own online passport, print recommended book lists with associated word counts, claim interactive rewards, play games and lots more! Sign up now for your very own passport by following the link on the right.
Read a Million Words is a big idea, with the potential to unite the city of Bristol in a common cause. The Project Team encourages all individuals, companies and organisations to support the children of Bristol in their challenge.
If you want to know how you can help or for more information please contact Project Manager Melissa Thom on 0117 900 5388 or email: info@readamillionwords.org.uk