1000 BOOKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is simple: read books (any books) to your child, with the goal of reading 1,000 books before kindergarten.

Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success, and numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read. Before public school begins in Kindergarten, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the critical years of 0-5 years old.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1.   Sign your child up for a library card by filling out the form below.

2. Pick up your child’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten package at the library. The package contains their reading log and a tote bag for their books.

3. Read with your child. Reading helps develop your child’s brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills. It also helps develop early childhood literacy by helping your child learn sounds, words and language.

4.   Keep track of the titles of the books that you read with your child.  Make a record of what you are reading in your 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten log book or on the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten App (for Apple or Android devices). 

5.    Pick up the prizes to help your child stay motivated. For every 25 books read, your child can pick a small prize. For every 100 books read, your child gets a necklace tag, and a sticker for their My Book Badges page.

6.    Make visiting the library a habit. Variety is the spice of life, and it’s true of reading, too. If you make the library a habit, your child will never be bored reading the same book twice.

7.    Keep a record of any book being read to your child.  This includes books read by teachers, grandparents, caregivers, and siblings.