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1000 Books Before Kindergarten (or 1KB4K) is a program that rewards parents and kids for reading stories aloud.  Reading aloud not only creates a positive bonding moment between an adult and child, but also helps children develop language skills.  

Wait!  Don’t panic!  I know 1,000 books seems like a high number, but there is a reason behind it (and not because it made a cool acronym).  Literacy experts have determined that a child is ready to read on his or her own after hearing about 1,000 books.  So, you could be instrumental in your child’s future academic success, all through the power of reading.  

Still not convinced you should sign your child up?  Just think about how many times you share a story with your child in a day.  Then, think about how many books are shared during the course of a week.  The books start to add up.  And, if storytime at your home is like anything I have experienced, it is never just one book.  Pretty soon, 1,000 will be completed before you know it.  

Here is how to get started:

• Visit the youth services’ desk to sign up.
• Every child will receive a bookmark and a reading log.  Each bookmark has 50 boxes (for each book read), and each reading log has space for 20 stickers.
• Once a bookmark is filled out (all 50 boxes are checked off), bring it to the youth desk for a sticker and another bookmark.
• Once the reading log is filled with 20 stickers, you are finished!  Turn in the log to the youth desk.  Kids will receive a T-shirt and certificate.  Parent, you can give yourself a pat on the back.

It is truly that simple.  If you are interested in more materials about the importance of early literacy, be sure to check out some books found on the second floor. 

Literacy Titles for Parents:

Reading Magic:  Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever

by Mem Fox

100 Best Books For Children

by Anita Silvey

A Family of Readers

by Roger Sutton and Martha V. Parravano

The Read-Aloud Handbook

by Jim Trelease