1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as learning to hear each of the sounds in a word, understanding that letters represent sounds, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

Wasatch County Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to five years can participate. Just follow these steps:

1. How to Begin: Pick up program materials at the library or click here to download and print them from our website. 

2. Track Your Reading: Fill in a circle or write down each book you read with your child on your reading record. For easier tracking, download the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten iPhone app.

3. Every Book Counts: 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

4. 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, bring your reading record to the library to add your marker sticker to the 1,000 Books Reading Train. Take home a new reading record for your next 100 books.

5. Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!

Singing songs, learning rhymes, telling stories, and playing with your child are all great ways to build their literacy skills. Visit the library often for free programs that are fun and educational for your little one, and to find great books to share with your child.

One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book daily, you’ll meet your goal in less than 3 years. If you read three books a day, you could reach your goal in just one year! Ask our friendly staff for suggestions—we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten!

Happy Reading!

 

Early Literacy Activity Calendar