“Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss!”

The children at the University of Delaware’s Early Learning Centers (ELC) in Newark and Wilmington could barely contain their excitement as dozens of readers and volunteers from six organizations streamed into their 16 classrooms.

The United Way of Delaware (UWDE) partnered with UD to participate in Read Across America Day on March 2, encouraging adults to read to children. The event coincides with Dr. Seuss’ birthday, with each child receiving a Dr. Seuss book to take home.

“Research shows us that the single most important thing we can do to encourage a child to read is to read to them,” said Peg Bradley, director of the ELC. “Read to infants because they love to hear the rhythm of the words. Read to toddlers because they begin to understand what the words mean. Read to preschoolers because they put themselves in the story and start to imagine. And of course, read to school age children because that will help them become proficient readers.” 

During opening remarks, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer shared that he had been a middle school teacher for four years. “I felt like we weren’t reaching kids early enough,” he said. “Hearing that the ELC is reading to toddlers is music to my ears.”

“United Way looks forward to Read Across America Day each year. We are grateful to our amazing partners and volunteers for ‘raising their hands’ to give their time to our kids in Delaware. Their move to action is evidence that we are truly able to make an impact when we stand together,” said Michelle A. Taylor, president and chief executive officer or UWDE.

In its second year coordinating this event, UWDE organized over 60 volunteers to visit 11 locations, reading to over 700 children. Delaware Gov. John Carney posted a video supporting the read aloud event and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long offered a special message while reading to children at the ELC.

UD embraces community engagement

“UD is excited to have this opportunity to partner with United Way,” said Tom LaPenta, UD’s chief human resource officer. “Their efforts to help and support the greater community aligns with our mission.”

At the ELC more than 200 children from ages six weeks to six years gathered around their reader-volunteer to hear a Dr. Seuss book and then enjoy a celebratory cupcake.

UD readers included LaPenta; Matt Kinservik, vice provost for faculty affairs; Susan Serra, assistant director, service learning; Meghann Matwichuk, associate librarian; Kelly Saylor, director, donor relations; Regina Donato, coordinator, student conduct; and Darcell Griffith, director, compensation and benefits, with her two sons, Donovan and Dillon.

John Moore, United Way’s vice president of resource development and strategic partnership, put on a rousing show for a class of pre-kindergarten students.

“A fish in a tree, how can that be?” He slumped back into his chair in wide-eyed disbelief while reading Hop on Pop to a pre-kindergarten class.

“Maybe he jumped,” a young boy piped up.

“Good answer!” Moore cheered. “Give that young man a hand. You are brilliant!”

Afterward, Moore admitted he had so much fun, he wanted to return. “The beauty of it was, I just pointed to the words and those young children read them. That’s what’s being achieved here.”

About UD’s Early Learning Center

The University of Delaware’s Early Learning Center was established as a model of quality early care and education for young children and their families. It provides a living-learning laboratory for more than 300 UD students a year as they fulfill clinical placements and undertake research projects.

The ELC has two locations in Newark and Wilmington. The Newark center welcomes children ages six weeks to five5 years, as well as before and after care for school age children. The Wilmington location is available to children six weeks to three years who are enrolled in the New Directions Early Head Start program.

About United Way of Delaware

Founded in 1946, United Way of Delaware’s (UWDE) mission is to maximize the community’s resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans. UWDE works to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. We focus on three key areas: quality early childhood education and reading at or above grade level by third grade; youth development leading to college and/or career readiness; and providing meaningful opportunities for individuals and families to secure financial stability.

For more information or additional ways to support UWDE, visit the website, follow the organization on Twitter and Facebook or call 302-573-3700.