What We Do
Since its inception, The Big Lift has been dedicated to fostering collaboration and unifying stakeholders who share a common commitment to the goal of advancing third-grade literacy in San Mateo County. We approach our goal of improving third-grade reading proficiency through a collective approach that is centered in equity.
The Science of Reading
The Big Lift’s approach is grounded in the science of reading.
The science of reading refers to decades of scientific research that helps to understand how the brain learns to read and which strategies for teaching reading are most effective.
The science of reading is not a single program or curriculum, but a large collection of research-backed findings and strategies–many of which teachers have been using for years. Our work helps to create alignment and consistency in literacy instruction across grades and districts, engage parents as partners in reading education, and ensure children’s literacy development is supported over the entire year, including summer.
Our Strategies
The Big Lift supports early literacy through the following strategies.
Instructional Quality
The science of reading is a vast body of research about how we learn to read and what teaching practices help children become strong readers. We support the implementation of teaching practices that align with the science of reading in preschool to third-grade classrooms.
Through our strong partnerships with San Mateo County school districts, we provide critical funding to enhance early literacy support. This includes dedicated literacy specialists, professional development, coaching, and learning communities for preschool through third grade educators. We prioritize working with districts where third-grade reading proficiency rates are below the county average, ensuring that support reaches the students and educators who can benefit most.
Family Engagement
Families are children’s first and most influential teachers. Reading together at home—in any language—plays a vital role in fostering language and literacy development. We partner with families to provide resources and tools that strengthen their children’s literacy skills, while also encouraging regular school attendance to support long-term success.
In our partner preschool programs, we fund the Raising a Reader initiative, which provides families with books and strategies to promote reading at home. Additionally, we created Let’s Read San Mateo County, an online hub that offers parents the resources they need to support their children’s reading journey.
Inspiring Summers
Summer learning loss is a significant challenge for children as they work toward reading proficiency. Through our Inspiring Summers program, we offer a blend of academic and enrichment activities designed to prevent this loss and support continuous learning.
Hosted by our school district partners and managed by the San Mateo County Public Libraries, Inspiring Summers keeps the excitement of summer alive while fostering growth. Over the course of five weeks, children engage in creative, hands-on activities that enhance their reading skills, boost social-emotional development, and build self-confidence—all in a fun, supportive environment.