Go Big Read

The Mission

In 2023/2024, 59% of third graders were considered proficient in ELA (down from 62% in the previous year). This decline is significant because studies show that third graders who aren’t reading at their reading level can face significant challenges in their future. Nebraska Athletics aims to use sports as a platform to encourage reading and make it fun for kids!

The Nebraska Department of Education received a $55 million grant in 2024 to improve literacy. Go Big Read will fit seamlessly with the efforts that the state is already pursuing to improve literacy. “Go Big Read” hopes to play a part in their goal of increasing third grade ELA proficiency to 75% by 2030.

Partners

Linked2Literacy
Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln Housing Authority
Community Action Partnership
Sheldon Museum of Art
Lincoln City Libraries

Schedule
Monday, February 24th – Go Big Read at School

Husker student athletes/teams will visit different elementary schools and read aloud to classrooms. All students are encouraged to wear red on this day!

Tuesday, February 25th – Go Big Read at the Library

Husker cheer, spirit squad and mascots visit different library programs across the city.

• 10:15-10:45 am: Storytime at Walt Branch (6701 S 14th St)
• 10:35-10:55 am: Wee Workout at Eiseley Branch (1530 Superior St)
• 10:35-10:55 am: Music and Movement at Gere Branch (2400 S 56th St)

Wednesday, February 26th – Go Big Read in the Community

Reading event and book drive at Community Action’s Gathering Place (1448 E St)

• 4:00-5:00 pm
  • All children will receive a free book at the event
  • Reading event and book drive at Air Park Community Center for families at Lincoln Housing Authority
• 4:30-5:30 pm
  • All children will receive a free book at the event

Thursday, February 27th – Go Big Read Together

"Reading Through Art” at Sheldon Art Museum. Families are invited to enhance reading skills through art. Join us for this explorative event with different stations connecting poetry to art.

• 4:00-6:00 pm
  • Open to the public (children ages 5-12), please register here.
  • All children in attendance will be able to pick out a book courtesy of Linked2Literacy
  • Children will also be able to sign up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and their own library card
  • The Nebraska Department of Education will have materials available for parents and guardians

Friday, February 28th – Go Big Read at Home

• All families are encouraged to read a book together for 30 minutes at home!
• Please share pictures or videos on social media using the hashtag #GoBigRead
• The participants with the most creative picture or video will receive a prize pack through Nebraska Athletics!