1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
The concept is simple. The rewards are priceless.
Welcome to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge! The goal is simple: read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. Sound daunting? If you read just one book a day from the time your child is born, you will reach 1,000 books before they turn three. Plus, the benefits are huge. Studies show that families who read aloud to their children from birth help strengthen language skills and build vocabulary - two essential tools for when children begin learning to read.
To keep the challenge fun and interesting, participants will earn a FREE BOOK for every 200 books they read, for a total of five books over the course of the program. Bring your reading log to the library, or show us your ReadSquared progress, to claim your prizes.
How to Participate
Sign up here. Start by creating an account for yourself, and then add all children who are participating.
Read with your child. Studies have shown reading is an excellent bonding opportunity. You will create lifelong memories as you help your child build early literacy skills!
Log your reading. Keep a tally of the books you read together. Make note of which ones your child enjoyed the most. You can do this in your paper log or by logging the books using this website.
Check-in at the library every time your child finishes 200 books to claim their prizes.
Don't forget to count the books others read to your child/children — including siblings, teachers, and other family members.
FAQs
Who can participate?
Every child, from birth until they enter kindergarten.
How long will the program take to complete?
This is a self-paced program, so completion time will vary for each family. If you read one book a day with your child, you will finish in just under three years.
My child loves to re-read books. Can we count a book more than once?
Yes! Repetition is actually important to learning, and you can count a book each time you read it.
Can other people read to my child?
Yes! Any and all books read by parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. count toward your goal. Don’t forget to count books read at library story times.