This October, UC San Francisco Family Services participated in Read for the Record, a national event hosted by Jumpstart which brings thousands of classrooms, libraries and communities together to celebrate early literacy.
Since Jumpstart started Read for the Record 19 years ago, it has gained the participation of more than 28 million people across the world.
“Read for the Record is the world's most significant shared reading experience. It celebrates early literacy and fosters children's language and social-emotional development. This annual initiative raises awareness about the vital importance of early literacy and access to inclusive, high-quality books through shared reading activities,” Sandra Hilliard, Executive Director of University Child Care at Mission Bay said.
This year, participants read “Piper Chen Sings” by Maris Pasquale Doran, a story about a singer who learns to overcome her fear and self-doubt to fully express herself through song.
“This year, thousands of schools, libraries, and community organizations will come together to celebrate early literacy by reading an empowering story highlighting themes of self-expression, overcoming self-doubt, and the supportive role of family relationships,” Hilliard said.
Read for the Record took place across all UCSF child care locations. Executive Director of Programs, Pam Su participated by reading to children at the Mission Bay Child Care Center.
“I had such a fun time reading to the children in one of our classrooms at our Mission Bay Child Care Center. I loved that we participated in Read for the Record to encourage reading and storytelling with each other. The children loved looking at the colorful pictures, and hearing how a little girl was able to get over her nervousness of performing in front of others. Many of the children said they sometimes get nervous too, so they were able to relate to the story. Reading is such a powerful way to learn, and I am so happy I was able to be a part of our reading community this year!” Su said.
Senior Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration Erin Gore was excited that her child, Wiley, could participate.
“Read for the Record event is one more reinforcement of instilling a love of Reading. His grandmother was a reading specialist, and we love the focus on reading and having UCSF community come to read," Gore said.
At Mission Bay, families also participated by volunteering to read the selected book for the year. For those unable to attend in person, families were encouraged to record themselves reading the book, allowing children to engage with the story through the video.
"Read for the Record has many benefits, such as raising awareness, supporting early language and social-emotional development, providing books to children, and more. We were thrilled that our classrooms had a volunteer who helped us influence early literacy and supported our Mission Bay children's growth!” Hilliard said.