1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
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The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is a new Library program started August 1st, 2014 that encourages all families and caregivers to read at least 1000 books with their young children before they enter Kindergarten. Reading to preschool-age children builds vocabulary, language skills, and helps prepare them with the skills they need for Kindergarten. In as little as 15 minutes a day, families can build the skills for future school and life success.
Sharing a book can include singing a book together, reading it cover to cover, or any other way that works for you and your child.
Don't forget to checkout our Countdown to Kindergarten page for more information on how to get your child ready for Kindergarten.
Sharing a book can include singing a book together, reading it cover to cover, or any other way that works for you and your child.
Don't forget to checkout our Countdown to Kindergarten page for more information on how to get your child ready for Kindergarten.
Let's Get Started!
- Sign up in the library and receive a folder, pages to track your first 100 books, a recommended reading list, recommendations for reading to your child, and a free bag to take your books home in.
- Record each book that you share together on the log. Repetition is great for learning so feel free to record the same titles again and again.
- When you complete the log, bring it to the library for a small prize and receive the next set of log sheets.
- Keep repeating this process; picking up book logs and turning them in for prizes.
- When you reach 1,000 books recorded, you will receive a book, a certificate for completing the program, a backpack to start Kindergarten with, your picture taken for our virtual wall of fame, and an invitation to our annual congratulations party each Fall!
Reading Superheroes
Older siblings reading to children participating in 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten are Reading Superheroes and receive prizes. They just have to write their names in the box below the numbered circles every time they read a book to a younger child. 25 books earns a small prize!
FAQs
1. 1,000 Books sounds like a lot. Can we really do it?
Yes, 1,000 books does sound like a lot and that’s why it’s a great goal to have. It’s good to remember that reading just a few books at a time over the 5 years from birth to Kindergarten will get you to that goal. If you read just 10 books each week for 2 years, you’d have read 1,040 books!
2. My child is already four years old. How can he/she still participate?
A child can start the program at any time between birth and starting Kindergarten. Three books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books!
3. Grandma, babysitter, etc., reads to my child. Does that still count?
Yes. The books shared between any caregiver and the child are what counts here. And when children are ready to read on their own, those books count too!
4. My child doesn’t always listen to the whole book. Can I still count it?
Yes, of course. This is meant to be a fun project. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have varying attention spans and not all books will interest all readers. Sharing books together in the early years is about connection, book awareness, vocabulary, and play. It’s ok to just talk about the pictures or move on before you get to the end of the book. Just be sure to share those books with your child, whichever way works for both of you. Check our WEBSITE for more tips on reading with your early learner and on selecting books for your young child.
5. My child likes to move. He/she won’t sit still for a book.
This is, of course, totally normal. Young children like to explore and play. Reading aloud while they are playing nearby still builds their literacy and vocabulary skills as they hear new words said aloud. Singing a book can also be a great way to engage a young mover in a book.
6. Do I have to read a library book?
No. You can read books from anywhere, not just library books.
7. Can I log books my child hears in storytime?
Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.
8. Can I read a book more than one time?
Yes! Repetition is the key to learning. Each time you read a book, it counts. If you read a book 5 times, log it 5 times.
Yes, 1,000 books does sound like a lot and that’s why it’s a great goal to have. It’s good to remember that reading just a few books at a time over the 5 years from birth to Kindergarten will get you to that goal. If you read just 10 books each week for 2 years, you’d have read 1,040 books!
2. My child is already four years old. How can he/she still participate?
A child can start the program at any time between birth and starting Kindergarten. Three books a day for 1 year = 1,095 books!
3. Grandma, babysitter, etc., reads to my child. Does that still count?
Yes. The books shared between any caregiver and the child are what counts here. And when children are ready to read on their own, those books count too!
4. My child doesn’t always listen to the whole book. Can I still count it?
Yes, of course. This is meant to be a fun project. Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers have varying attention spans and not all books will interest all readers. Sharing books together in the early years is about connection, book awareness, vocabulary, and play. It’s ok to just talk about the pictures or move on before you get to the end of the book. Just be sure to share those books with your child, whichever way works for both of you. Check our WEBSITE for more tips on reading with your early learner and on selecting books for your young child.
5. My child likes to move. He/she won’t sit still for a book.
This is, of course, totally normal. Young children like to explore and play. Reading aloud while they are playing nearby still builds their literacy and vocabulary skills as they hear new words said aloud. Singing a book can also be a great way to engage a young mover in a book.
6. Do I have to read a library book?
No. You can read books from anywhere, not just library books.
7. Can I log books my child hears in storytime?
Yes! Any and every book your child hears counts for this program.
8. Can I read a book more than one time?
Yes! Repetition is the key to learning. Each time you read a book, it counts. If you read a book 5 times, log it 5 times.