BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Young people are getting a lesson in literacy and helping to set a record at the same time.

Houghton Academy in Buffalo is one of many schools involved in a "Read for the Record." Organizers hope to beat last year's mark of 12,000 pre-K and kindergarten students enjoying the book, "Llama llama red pajama."

Pre-K teacher Carla Staples said, "We're trying to get a jump start on literacy. It's very important. We need our children to be very strong readers so they can compete in the global economy."

News 4's Rachel Kingston read the book to the students Thursday morning.