'No matter what age, children love books!' CBU students promote early literacy at preschool for Read Across America

Riverside, Calif. (April 2, 2026) — Read Across America, an event coinciding with Dr. Seuss’ birthday on March 2, brought 12 students from California Baptist University to Sunshine Early Childhood Center in Riverside. 

Established in 1998 by the National Education Association, Read Across America incorporates activities like dressing up as your favorite book character, guest readings, book fairs and more as a way to promote literacy and reading among young students. 

This adheres to the goals of the students who are members of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association (NSSLHA). The group consists of pre-professionals going into speech pathology, audiology or similar majors who network with peers and host fun bonding events. Many students transition from NSSLHA to the national version of the group — the American Speech and Hearing Association — upon graduating and entering professional spheres. 

The opportunity to participate in Read Across America arose when an employee from Sunshine Early Childhood Center contacted the club’s faculty advisor, Dr. Michelle Ross, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders. They asked for students to visit and read to the preschoolers, offering a fun, educational experience. 

Many of the club’s members want to work in early intervention in preschools, so this was a great way to interact with kids and engage with them, said Hailey Chase, communication sciences and disorders senior and NSSLHA’s president. 

Working in teams of two, the NSSLHA students worked on building the children’s language along with literacy. “It’s an important area within language and reading development in school,” Chase said. They did this by asking “WH questions,” such as “Who did this?” and “Where are they going?” when reading to the children.  

After each book, they asked the children what they liked about the book and handed out stuffed animals. The NSSLHA students only had 15 minutes per session, which offered a good learning experience, as they practiced leaving space for the children to process the information. 

Sunshine Early Childhood Center primarily serves children from ages two to five with special needs or developmental disabilities. Adelene Singgih, communication sciences and disorders sophomore, appreciated the exposure this provided her. 

“This opportunity confirmed my desire to advocate for and assist individuals who may struggle to express themselves,” Singgih said. “All children deserve a proper education and teachers with tender hearts who care for their success.” 

For Chase, the experience taught her a simple truth about children that she can take into her next role as a speech pathology assistant: Reading and engaging with young students is the best way to help with language development. 

“No matter what level of support or what age, children love books!” she said.