We are often asked here at the Library, “How can I help my child learn to read?” Our answer is, “Read to your child…a lot!” Reading to your child gets them ready to read, exposes them to new vocabulary, helps them understand narrative, and, most importantly, teaches them that reading is enjoyable. To help you raise a reader, we started a 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (1KBK) helps create a habit of reading and helps your child see reading as an enjoyable activity, which ultimately paves the way for success in school. You can sign up for the program at the Youth Services desk, where you’ll receive an adorable tote bag (for all those books you’re going to read together!) along with a folder for your reading logs, a pack of crayons, and a list of 10 great books to get you started on your way to 100. After reading each set of 100 books (and all books count, even if it’s the same one over and over and over…), come in for a special sticker to celebrate the achievement, your next reading log, and another list of recommendations. At 500 and 1,000 books, special prizes will be awarded.
1,000 books? How is that possible? Trust me when I say it’s really not as daunting as it seems. Reading three books a day helps you finish the whole program in under a year! When our daughters were little, we read three books before naptime and three books before bedtime. If you do the same, you’ll finish the program in about six months. It’s not just about the finishing, though. Be sure to enjoy this special time together: read what makes you and your child happy, experiment with goofy voices, try new books, and just have fun with it! Visit our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten page for more information.
Another great resource we’re offering you and your young child is our Preschool and Early Childhood Fair on November 14 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. This open house event will have representatives from a wide variety of early childhood organizations located in Deerfield and neighboring suburbs. Feel free to bring your child with you as you learn more and have your questions about early childhood education answered. There are special giveaways for the first 50 attendees. We hope to see you there!
