The concept is simple, and the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (books can be repeated as many times as your child wants), before your little one starts kindergarten. It may sound daunting, but it isn't really if you think about it. If you read just one book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years, and 1,095 book in just three years. if you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with you rchild provides a great opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you.
2. Keep track of the titles of the books that you read with your child. Make a record of what you are reading in a notebook, or our convenient reading log sheets, or use the app you can download from your app store. Just search for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and download. You can add more than one child, and it is as simple as scanning the ISBN code on the back of the book.
If you are able to, try to keep a readord of any book that is being read to you rchild. This includes teachers, siblings, daycare providers, grandparents, etc.
LINKS TO DOWNLOADABLE READING LISTS AND MORE INFORMATION
Iphone/Android App Instructions
(Download app from your App Store - search "1000 Books Before Kindergarten")
20 ways to raise a book-smart baby
FAQ'S
1. Who can participate in this program?
Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can particpate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
2. How long will the program take?
The program will take anywhere from a few months, to a few years, depending on child's age when starting, and how many books are read per day.
3. How many of my children can particpate?
All of them, as long as they have not started Kindergarten yet! Make it fun and read as a family!
Reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power. The act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knoweldge; all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.
To start your child on the path to success, just follow these steps:
1. Register. Sign up at Sergeant Bluff Public Library or online at www.sergeantbluff.lib.ia.us. Pick up a program folder at the library. The folder will have tips for reading to your child, suggested books to read to different age levels, and a paper log to get you started. You can also download the app through your app store. This is a quick, easy way to keep track and not have to write down every book.
2. Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare, or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as they listen to the entire book.
3. 100 Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to receive a special reward. Take home a new reading record for your next 100 books.
4. When you hit 1,000 books, it's time to celebrate! Come celebrate at the library, get a certificate of completion, and your child's picture taken to be put up on our "Wall of Fame" and receive a free book.