ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., November 9, 2020 – Early Learning Coalition of North Florida (ELC) joined readers across the country on Thursday, October 29 to celebrate Read for the Record, America’s largest shared reading experience.
Each year schools and child care centers participate in trying to break the world record of reading the same book on the same day to the most kids. Read for the Record is celebrating its 8th year and is sponsored by Jumpstart.org. The ELC of North Florida participates in this literacy event each year.
Locally, ELC provided a free copy of the the official campaign book “Bear Sees Colors” by Karma Wilson and an activity packet to all of six county preschool providers in Clay, Nassau, Bradford, Baker, Putnam and St. Johns counties. The book was read at schools, libraries and countless special events from coast to coast. Eighty-two providers participated for a total of 6,257 children participating in all local counties.
In St. Johns County the ELC also partnered with the United Way of St. Johns who provided special guest readers to local preschools. Officers from the St. Augustine police department and volunteers from the Flagler College sorority Phi Alpha Omega were among the guest readers.
Launched in 2006, the campaign brings together millions of people to celebrate literacy by breaking the world record for reading the same book on the same day.
Many schools followed their reading of the book, “Bear Sees Colors”, with a variety of color themed learning activities. The book is about a bear that goes for a walk with his friend Mouse and sees so many colors along the way. It encourages children to go on their own colors hunt and is the perfect book to teach young children about colors.
“The Early Learning Coalition of North Florida is delighted to be a reading partner for this year’s Read for the Record Day,” said Joan Whitson, ELC’s Early Literacy Outreach Manager. “Early literacy is so crucial in a child’s development and future learning success. We are on a mission to help children in our counties enter school prepared to succeed.”
The Early Learning Coalition is the leading voice in six counties for child care. ELC works with many other local agencies to ensure that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. Their mission is achieved by leading projects that increase the quality and availability of child care professionals, and advocate child care policies that positively impact the lives of children and families. To learn more about the Early Learning Coalition of North Florida and how assist in ensuring quality child care for all families, visit us at www.elcnorthflorida.org.
All Counties: Clay, Bradford, Baker, Putnam, St. Johns and Duval Counties:
Photo Download: https://elcnorthflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/clay_county_fun_little_years.jpg
Photo Caption: Children from Fun Little Years in Clay County, Florida being read “Bear Sees Colors” by Karma Wilson participating in Read for the Record Day, Thursday October 29, 2020.
St. Johns County Specific:
Photo Downloads:
Photo Caption: Officer Caroline Drouin of the St. Augustine City Police Department reading to the children at Island Prep West in St. Augustine, Florida the book “Bear Sees Colors” by Karma Wilson as they participate in Read for the Record Day, Thursday October 29, 2020.
https://elcnorthflorida.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Village_Academy_North_photo.jpg
Photo Caption: Children from Village Academy North in St. Augustine, Florida proudly showing off their artwork to represent the book “Bear Sees Colors” by Karma Wilson for Read for the Record Day Thursday, October 29, 2020.
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Sponsorship by the State of Florida, Division of Early Learning.