Join our Pajama Party for Read for the Record

You may have already heard the buzz about Jumpstart's Read for the Record campaign. On October 6, people across the country will read the children’s book Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, as part of this national campaign that mobilizes adults and children to close the early education achievement gap by setting a reading world record. There will be reading events taking place across the country, from public libraries to schools to private homes.

ChicagoKids.com is proud to co-host a special reading event at noon on October 6 with Building Blocks Toy Store. We're having a Read for the Record Pajama Party, and our special guest will be Judy Oliva, Divisional Vice President for Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool, who will read to the audience. There will be refreshments, balloons, temporary tattoos and a small party favor for kids that attend. Plus, a possible surprise guest appearance. Kids should dress up in pajamas for this special reading!

Building Blocks will be celebrating all week with readings by local community leaders including Ann Torralba, aka "Little Miss Ann;" Alderman Scott Waguespack of the 32nd Ward; Sarah Cobb of Neighborhood Parents Network; and Brenna Woodley, Founder of Bundle of Joy. Visit Building Blocks' web site for more details and the full schedule.

More about Jumpstart's Read for the Record

A child’s future should not be dictated by the neighborhood they are born into. Yet, in low income neighborhoods, children start kindergarten 60% behind their wealthier peers, and likely will never catch up. Studies show that a quality early education can set children on a path for success, helping to close this achievement gap. Jumpstart is a national early education organization that recruits and trains college students and community volunteers to work with preschool children in low-income neighborhoods. Through a proven curriculum, these children develop the language and literacy skills they need to be ready for school, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap before it is too late.

Pledge to Read at www.readfortherecord.org/pledge and help Jumpstart close the early education achievement gap.

ABOUT JUMPSTART

Every child deserves the chance to succeed, yet studies show that children from low-income neighborhoods are at a greater risk of school failure. Jumpstart is a national early education organization that helps these children develop the language and literacy skills they need for school, setting them on a path to close the achievement gap before it is too late. Since 1993, Jumpstart has trained more than 20,000 college students and community volunteers to deliver its program to more than 90,000 preschool children nationwide. Jumpstart’s award-winning program holds a “Best in America” seal from Independent Charities of America. Join us to work toward the day every child in America enters school prepared to succeed. Learn more at www.jstart.org.

Read for the Record Pajama Party
Thursday, October 6 at Noon
Building Blocks Toy Store
2130 W. Division Street, Chicago