Reader's Oath

Thanks to Debra Angstead of Missouri-NEA for this inspiring oath. In one of the most wonderful events in Read Across America's history, Steven G. Breyer, Justice of the United States Supreme Court, administered this oath to a group of Washington, D.C. students. Gathered in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court Library, the children promised to become life-long readers. Your students can do the same. Invite a local judge to officiate, or your principal or other appropriate individual.

Reader's Oath

I promise to read
Each day and each night.
I know it's the key
To growing up right.

I'll read to myself,
I'll read to a crowd.
It makes no difference
If silent or loud.

I'll read at my desk,
At home and at school,
On my bean bag or bed,
By the fire or pool.

Each book that I read
Puts smarts in my head,
'Cause brains grow more thoughts
The more they are fed.

So I take this oath
To make reading my way
Of feeding my brain
What it needs every day.