FROM READING REASONS: MOTIVATIONAL MINI-LESSONS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH

SCHOOL

Why should I read?

1. Reading is Rewarding

Reading brings pleasure and knowledge.

2. Reading builds a mature vocabulary.

A nonreading high school senior cannot wake up one morning three months before graduation and decide to acquire a mature vocabulary for college or the workplace.

Students who have been slackers for a number of years can’t suddenly decide to prepare for college midway through the senior year.

3. Reading makes you a better writer.

When you read be aware of the process that you go through as a writer of anything.

When you are writing, consider your audience, the reader.

4. Reading is hard, and “hard” is necessary.

Think of an accomplishment in your life of which you are deeply proud.

Chance are there’s a lot of hard work behind that accomplishment.

Rarely does half-hearted effort produce deep pride.

Confusion is necessary before real learning can occur.

5. Reading makes you smarter.

Reading habits between the ages of six and eighteen appear to be crucial predictors of cognitive function decades later.

When we challenge our brains, we build up “cognitive reserves” (brain power) to counter brain damaging diseases, like Alzheimer’s, later in life.

The more you read, the smarter you’ll become, and the smarter you become, the more likely you’ll remain sharp when you’re old.

6. Reading prepares you for the world of work.

Many companies hire students from a variety of backgrounds and train them in house to do the jobs that they need to fill.

If you have excellent verbal and communication skills, you will be marketable to a variety of fields regardless of your skill set.

7. Reading well is financially rewarding.

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, for a forty-year career:The average lifetime earnings for a student who does not

finish high school is $936,000The average lifetime earnings for a student who does

finish high school is $1,216,000.Therefore, a high school diploma is worth $280,000

($1,216,000 minus $936,000).Four year of high school amounts to about 700 days of

school.Therefore, students are “paid” $280,000 for 700 days of

school.Therefore, students earn $400 per day.

8. Reading opens the door to college and beyond.

There are a number of factors admission officers consider when reviewing a student’s application, among them: The number of advanced placement (AP) classes taken

by the applicant The applicant’s entrance exams (SAT and ACT). The student’s personal essay.

Each of these criteria requires the student to be able to read well.

9. Reading arms you against oppression.

One consultant in the California Department of Education stated that the governor’s office looks at fourth-grade reading scores to determine how much money the state needs to allocate for building future prison space.

You need to know how to read the advertiser who is trying to get you to spend your money unwisely.

Learn to read fine print to avoid being tricked.Learn to read the politician who is intentionally

clouding an issue.If you learn these things, it will be much harder for

someone to take advantage of you.