1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Challenge
Start building literacy skills with your kids from the day they are born! Challenge yourself to read 1000 books with your child before they start kindergarten.
About the Program
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.
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1 book per day for 3 years = 1095 books
10 books per week for 2 years = 1040 books
3 books per day for 1 year = 1095 books
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.
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To keep the challenge fun and interesting, participants will earn a FREE BOOK for every 200 books they read and a board book set for reaching 1000 books. Bring your reading log to the library to claim your prizes.
How to Sign Up
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Visit Beanstack for a digital log or download the paper log below (make sure your printer settings are set to print on both sides, flip on short edge).
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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.
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Each time a book is read with your child, log the reading in your digital or paper log.
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Check-in at the library every time your child finishes 200 books to claim their prizes.
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You can count any book read to your child by anyone— siblings, grandparents, teachers, library storytimes etc. It is okay to repeat books and read multiple books per day. Books read in any language also count.
FAQs
Who can participate?
Every child, from birth until they enter kindergarten.
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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.​
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My child loves to re-read books. Can we count a book more than once?
Yes! Repetition is actually important to learning. You can count a book each time you read it.
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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 storytimes, too!