1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Start the love of reading early with this program.
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1000 Books Before Kindergarten encourages families and caregivers to read 1000 books to their children before they enter kindergarten.
Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth strengthen language skills and build vocabulary. Both are important skills for learning to read in kindergarten.
How does it work?
- Sign up at the Children's desk and pick up a reading log for the first 100 books, or use our Beanstack app and sign up for the challenge and track how many books you read.
- Every time you read a book with your child, mark off a book on the reading log or add it in Beanstack.
- Visit the Children's desk each time you read 100 books and receive a sticker and a new log. When you reach 500 books, your child will receive a free book and a tote bag. When you complete 1000 books, your child will receive a sticker, certificate, family pass to the Children's Museum of Illinois, and a DPL reading buddy teddy bear!
- At each 100 book milestone kids can have a picture taken with our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten goal display!
Frequently asked questions:
Can we really read that many books?
Yes! If you read one book a day you finish in three years. If you read three books a day you could finish in a year!
Can I count other people who read to my child?
Yes! Stories read by parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. all count. You can also count stories read at story time!
My child wants to read the same book over and over!
Log each book you read to your child. If you read the same book ten times, just log the book ten times. Repetition is important to learning!
Can we only use library books?
No! Any book counts! You can use your library books, your own books, a family member's books, audiobooks - any reading counts!
Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1000 Books before Kindergarten program. You can begin at any point during that time.
Thank you to our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten sponsors!
