The Big Lift

Parents and caregivers can make learning letters fun by playing games together. Try an ABC hunt around your house or on a walk and point out letters on signs, packages, or books. Learn more at Let’s Read San Mateo County: letsreadsmc.org/letter-knowled… #FamilyEngagementMonth

This season, The Big Lift is thankful for the families, educators, and community partners across San Mateo County who share our commitment to helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Your partnership is building a stronger foundation for early literacy. #FamilyEngagementMonth

Each session offered strategies to support children’s learning, well-being, and sense of belonging. Read more about the day’s highlights: thebiglift.org/advancing-lite…

Our Fall Knowledge Network Convening brought together partners to explore how social-emotional learning and early literacy go hand in hand. Workshops were led by Andrea Burnett (San Mateo County Office of Education), @SusanAndrien (Hope Reimagined), and @glivesey (@Turnaround.)

At The Big Lift, we created Let’s Read SMC for families to explore easy ways to read, talk, and play together at home. Think you know what helps children learn to read? Answer: All of the above! Learn more by visiting letsreadsmc.org #FamilyEngagementMonth

Learning to read can sometimes be frustrating. That’s where Let’s Read SMC comes in. This free website for parents and caregivers explains how children learn to read and offers practical ways to support them at every stage: letsreadsmc.org #FamilyEngagementMonth

Families are experts in their children’s learning. Their experiences and ideas are helping The Big Lift and our partners strengthen literacy and family engagement across San Mateo County. See how family voices are shaping our work: thebiglift.org/wp-content/upl… #FamilyEngagementMonth

Find tips for reading at home with your child: letsreadsmc.org/reading-at-hom… #FamilyEngagementMonth

Let’s Read SMC, a website created by The Big Lift, promotes the importance of children reading with caring adults at any age. For babies and young children, reading together can be as simple as turning pages, looking at pictures, and exploring books through play.

Families can enjoy free, high-quality storytime videos in a variety of languages anytime, anywhere. Explore our favorite storytime videos and find your next family read: letsreadsmc.org/storytime-vide…

The Big Lift developed Let’s Read San Mateo County to give families and caregivers the ability to support their child’s literacy development. Storytime videos are a fun way to bring books to life and help families build a love of reading together.

We’re encouraged to see the state moving in this direction and will continue striving for the highest standards in effective and equitable literacy for all children. Learn more: edsource.org/2025/governor-…

At The Big Lift, we share that goal and have been working toward it for more than a decade. Our approach combines research-based literacy instruction with high-quality preschool, summer learning, and family engagement to help San Mateo County children become confident readers.

Governor @GavinNewsom recently signed Assembly Bill 1454, a new law that calls for evidence-based reading instruction and additional training for teachers across California. This is an important step toward helping every child learn to read with confidence.

Learn more about our family engagement goals: thebiglift.org/wp-content/upl…

This work is informed by parents and caregivers. With schools and community partners, we’re building shared approaches that improve how families, educators, and communities support reading success and regular attendance.

This November, we’re celebrating #FamilyEngagementMonth! We know that strong family partnerships are key to helping children become confident readers. As part of our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, we are strengthening how we partner with families to support children’s literacy.

Inspiring Summers isn’t just about reducing summer learning loss; it’s about building joy and confidence! In 2025, 928 students joined us for a summer of reading, exploration, and growth. See how families and educators saw the difference: thebiglift.org/the-big-lifts-…

Reading opens doors to brighter futures, & The Big Lift is helping make that possible. At our recent collective impact meeting, partners, families, & community leaders recommitted to helping every child become a confident, joyful reader. Discover more: thebiglift.org/coming-togethe…

Thank you to our partners San Mateo County Office of Education, @SupNoeliaCorzo, Izzi Early Education Institute, and @MillbraeSchoolD.

Read more about the event and the impact of The Big Lift on our blog: thebiglift.org/coming-togethe…

On September 4th, The Big Lift brought together partners, families, and community leaders to celebrate the power of literacy. From heartfelt stories to inspiring milestones, the day was a reminder that when the community comes together, the children of San Mateo can thrive. 📚