On October 6, millions of people across the globe will read the same book, Llama Llama Red Pajama, as part of Jumpstart's annual Read for the Record Day. The simple act of reading with a child on this one day translates into year-long educational support for preschool children from low-income communities, many of whom grow up in homes without a single book.
For the past five years, Jumpstart, a national education organization, has hosted this global event, bringing together celebrities like Bill Cosby, Justin Bieber, Vince Vaughn, Patti LaBelle, Matt Lauer, representatives on Capitol Hill, elected officials, parents, teachers, children and volunteers to help bridge America’s achievement gap. This year, they need your help to set a new world record of 2.1 million readers.
The reality is that 1 in 3 children in the U.S. begins kindergarten behind, and most will never catch up. In fact, in states like California, for every child who isn’t reading on the 4th grade level when tested, budget is planned for a jail cell. Before they even enter school, children need to be equipped with fundamental literacy skills and taking the time to read with your kids is an easy way to ensure they’re prepared.
By pledging to read now at www.readfortherecord.org, you will be entered to win a $77 gift card to 77Kids by American Eagle and a copy of Llama Llama Red Pajama signed by the author, Anna Dewdney.
If you don’t own the book, it is being offered FREE online at www.wegivebooks.org.
