Read for the Record

More than two million preschoolers across the country read the book Quackers as part of Jumpstart’s 13^th annual “Read for the Record” on Oct. 19. The author and illustrator of the book, Liz Wong (pictured), was right here in Seattle University’s neighborhood for the event, reading to preschoolers at Yesler Terrace. 

Also joining Wong and the preschoolers were Seattle University students who volunteer with Jumpstart through the Center for Community Engagement. Jumpstart is a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and community members to serve preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Volunteers help students build language, literacy and social-emotional tools so they’re ready for kindergarten.

At Seattle University 40 students commit to a yearlong, 300-hour term of service in Jumpstart. Jumpstart at SU is providing support in eight preschool classrooms at four community partners in central and south Seattle. All our students are part of the AmeriCorps program which connects our students to an even wider network of other social justice- and service-minded individuals. 

The world’s largest shared reading experience, “Read for the Record” promotes early literacy and celebrates the power of reading. The total number of readers involved in this year’s effort is being tallied through Nov. 3. 

“Working towards the day that every child enters kindergarten prepared to succeed is our mission and I feel fortunate to be able to work with such dedicated students and community partners who put so much time and care into our future generations,” said SU’s Jumpstart Site Manager Aileah Slepski. “Read for the Record was a huge success in Seattle. Huge thank you to the author Liz Wong for her amazing participation!”

Click here for more photos from Read for the Record at Yesler Terrace.