1000 Books Before Kindergarten
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Sedalia Public Library
311 W 3rd
Sedalia, MO 65301
660-826-1314
What is 1000 Books Before Kindergarten?
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free national program designed to help parents prepare their children for one of
life’s big milestones: kindergarten. An excellent way to get your child ready to learn is to read to them. - Studies show a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first three years of their life. Reading with a child early on can help them develop pre-reading skills that will make it easier for them to read independently in school. Families who read to their children from a young age can help their child build early literacy skills such as letter recognition and building vocabulary. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher. When you talk, sing, read, write, and play, you are teaching them important skills that grow strong readers!
How does the program work?
The concept is simple, but the results are priceless!
- Simply stop by the Children’s circulation desk and sign up. Your child will receive a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten brochure, a log sheet for the first 100 books, and a tote bag for your child to carry their books in!
- Read with your child and then make sure to mark each book off on the reading tracker. You can also track books on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten App.
- After you have filled the first 100 circles, bring the tracker to the children’s department for your child to receive a milestone sticker and a new reading log.
- When they reach 1000 books, they will receive a certificate of achievement, a medal, and have their photo taken!
Why should I participate?
By coming to the library together, you can show your child how the library works, help them gain an appreciation for the wide range of materials available and get recommendations for books that can broaden your child’s interests.
How long does it take?
The program is self-paced and completion will take from a few months to a few years, depending on how often you read. The end date is when your child starts kindergarten.
| Child’s Age when Starting Program | Number of Books to read per day before Kindergarten | Number of Books to read per week before Kindergarten |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years old | 1 | 4 |
| 1 year old | 1 | 5 |
| 2 years old | 1 | 7 |
| 3 years old | 2 | 10 |
| 4years old | 3 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Any child, birth–5 years, who has not yet entered Kindergarten, may participate in the program.
When can we sign up?
Anytime! This is a year-round program. Stop by the children’s circulation desk to get information, a log sheet and a tote bag for your child.
What books count?
Check out books from the library or read books from home. Reading the same book over and over counts! Books read during story time, at daycare or preschool count as well.
Can I count books we read before starting the program?
No, you start fresh when you start the program.
311 W. 3rd Street
Sedalia, MO 65301
Phone: 660-826-1314
Fax: 660-826-0396