WALDORF, Md. — Excitement filled the classrooms at The Goddard School of Waldorf on Wednesday, Sept. 3, as students, families and teachers joined a nationwide effort to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. At precisely noon, children gathered around screens as Steve Burns — the original host of “Blue’s Clues” — appeared live on YouTube to read “Curious Blueberry the Carousel Horse.”
From Waldorf to hundreds of campuses across the country, more than 6,000 viewers tuned in simultaneously, surpassing the 1,500 required to break the record for “Most viewers for a reading livestream on YouTube.”
In Waldorf, the excitement carried from one classroom to the next. Teachers and children joined together, and each class found its own way to celebrate. In Ms. Diamond’s and Ms. Ania’s rooms, preschoolers sat close and clapped along as the story was read. Down the hall, Ms. Dana’s class gave their best cheers as they watched the numbers climb higher on the screen.
In the infant room, Ms. Aryah helped her youngest ones wave and giggle, while Ms. Keana and Ms. Danielle’s preschoolers jumped up with cheers when they heard the record had been set. Even in the pre-toddler room, Ms. Hamideh’s little ones clapped their hands, showing everyone was proud to be part of the celebration.
“This is a milestone our children will always remember,” said Hasna Belayachi, executive director of The Goddard School of Waldorf. “Our students didn’t just witness history — they helped make it. It was an inspiring reminder that reading connects us all.”
Owner Akhil Govil added, “From Waldorf to classrooms nationwide, this record shows the power of community and the joy of storytelling. Books truly open doors to imagination, connection and endless possibility.”
The BayNet was fortunate to be present as this once-in-a-lifetime moment unfolded — from the wonder in children’s faces to the pride of teachers who guided them through a celebration of literacy that now holds a Guinness World Record.
For more than 25 years, The Goddard School of Waldorf has served Southern Maryland families, offering a play- and inquiry-based curriculum for children 6 weeks to 6 years old. Wednesday’s achievement will remain a memory not just for the students, but for the entire community that joined together to make history.
The Goddard School of Waldorf
7005 St. Florian Drive
Waldorf, MD 20603
Serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old.
Learn more at The Goddard School – Waldorf.
Watch the video from the record-setting reading livestream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtCjhkMRjCE&t=1s
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