Thursday kicked off the 10^th anniversary of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program, a worldwide program that encourages children to start building their reading skills at an early age.

Each year, Jumpstart chooses one book for everyone to read, and for the program milestone this year, volunteers and children read “Not Norman: A Goldfish Story” by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones.

Volunteers in Beaufort County from the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children, which led the event, Washington (noon) Rotary and Belhaven-Pantego Rotary read aloud to children at 35 sites on Thursday, according to a press release.

The sites included libraries, childcare centers, Boys & Girls clubs, classrooms and Washington Pediatrics, the release stated.

The Partnership for Children also led the event in Hyde County.

“This is a fun and engaging way to remind our community about the importance of early literacy,” said Lisa Woolard, executive director of Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children, in the release. “We also appreciate the support of our local Rotary clubs, Beaufort and Hyde County school systems, the Hyde County Children’s Center and other partners in joining us in our mission to ‘Plant the Seed to Read’ in the youngest learners of our region.”

Jumpstart’s website encouraged readers to point out vocabulary words and teach their meaning, as well as encourage comments from the children listening. The organization also led a “Not Norman” photo contest for participating schools to build excitement for the event.

According to the release, more than 600 children and adults in Beaufort County were expected to participate in the 10^th anniversary event.

For more information, contact Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children by visiting bhckids.org or call 252-975-4647.