Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brain power? The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge—all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.
WSL’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to five years can participate.
Just follow these steps:
- Register: Sign up your child through the Beanstack App or online at whitinsville.beanstack.com. When you register, you will get your first milestone coloring page and sticker! Visit WSL to pick it up.
- Track Your Reading: Using the Beanstack App, enter the title of each book as you finish it to count towards your reading goal. Books start counting the day that your register. Every Book Counts! Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member, as long as your child listens to the entire book.
- 100-Book Milestones: Each time you read 100 books, visit the library to receive a new coloring page and milestone sticker! Get your camera ready and pose for a photo to show off your milestone achievement to friends and family.
- 1,000 Books: You did it! Contact the library to set up a time to come in and pick up your final coloring sheet, milestone sticker, and awesome completion prize.
- Keep on Reading: Don’t stop at 1,000! Keep on reading together; there’s more learning ahead!
Singing songs, saying rhymes, telling stories, and playing with your child are all great ways to build their literacy skills. Visit WSL often for free programs that are fun and educational for your little one and to find great books to share with your child. All our programs are listed each month on our events calendar and keep an eye on your Beanstack for other reading challenges including summer reading!
One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than 3 years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year! Ask our friendly staff for suggestions—we’re here to help you on your journey to 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten! Happy Reading!