The Importance of Education

Booker T. Washington: 2nd Grade The Importance of Education

2nd Grade: Booker T. Washington

Booker Walks Almost 500 Miles To Attend New School

One day, Booker heard about an amazing school called the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. He really wanted to go to Hampton. So he worked hard and saved his own money. He even walked nearly 500 miles to get there! To get into the school, Booker had to take an entrance exam – but this one didn’t have multiple choice questions! Instead, he had to clean a room, which was inspected by the teacher with a white handkerchief to see if he left any dirt or dust behind. Booker passed the test and was accepted into Hampton.

At Hampton, he learned many things like reading, farming, good manners, and how to talk in public. He worked hard, graduated with honors in 1875 and was selected to deliver the graduation speech.

Booker Becomes A Principal

What did Booker T. Washington learn at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute?
What happened when Booker T. Washington did his best and worked hard in school?

Booker T. Washington later became the principal of a new school called the Tuskegee Normal School in Alabama. It was supposed to train Black teachers, but at first, the school didn’t have much money or a building. However, Booker was determined. Determination is a quality that you show when you have decided to do something and you will not let anything stop you. With the help of the community and the students, the school opened in 1881. The school grew because of the hard work and determination of Booker and the students. They built buildings, made bricks for the buildings and sold bricks for money.

Booker Teachers Others

Booker made sure everything the students learned was useful. Booker believed that education and skills could help Black people succeed and build their own lives. He said that everyone’s work is important, whether it’s farming or writing poems. He believed that hard work and learning could overcome challenges.

What did Booker T. Washington believe in?

Booker was a very important person. He was even invited by the President to the White House in 1901. Booker passed away in 1915, but his legacy lives on. He showed us that no matter where you come from or what you look like, you can succeed in life with hard work and determination. Today, we have many opportunities, and it is up to us to make the most of them.

Think About It

Why did Booker T. Washington think education was so important?
What does it mean to be determined?
Why do you need to work hard in school?

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