Here’s an interesting tidbit I ran across. On September 20, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record takes place. It’s billed as the largest shared reading experience. The national campaign encourages kids and adults to read the same book on the same day. This year participants are reading, The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf.
The campaign’s aim is to raise public awareness about the importance of early childhood education. By reading the official book, participants are showing their support for early education programs. Last year, 150,000 people participated during the inaugural campaign. The organizers are hoping to break last year’s record. Participants can participate by reading one on one (adult and child), for example or by organizing a larger group reading.
Jumpstart is a national nonprofit organization that works with low-income preschool children to improve their skills so that when they enter kindergarten they do so at grade level. According to campaign organizers, “ One-third of American children enter kindergarten developmentally behind their peers and without the skills necessary to succeed at grade level. This isn’t just a problem for these children and their families; according to education experts, it is an issue of national concern.”
I think Jumpstart’s idea is wonderful. As a parent who has always placed reading and literacy high on my list of priorities, Tyler and I will definitely participate in the campaign this year. I’m always excited when I’m at the library and see young kids, barely able to walk, sitting down with a parent or caregiver “reading” a book. We have to start as early as possible to encourage our kids to become readers. I’m lucky that Tyler loves to read. Having a mother who is a writer and an avid reader has ensconced him into the literary world.
If you would like to find out more about the campaign, visit their website here.
See also:
You Read to Me, I’ll Read to You