Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge

The Hackettstown Library invites you to participate in this free program that encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before he or she begins kindergarten. The concept is simple, but the rewards are priceless! Read any book to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler (yes, you can repeat books!). The goal is to read 1,000 books before your child starts kindergarten. Does 1,000 books sound like a lot? If you read just one book a night, you will have read 365 books in a year; that is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think – so get started! Here’s how. Register your child on our website. Download the FREE app (search “1000 Books before Kindergarten” on your iPhone or Android). You can also stop into the library to pick up a paper log (or download one from the list below) if you prefer that method! Read the instructions here. (Spanish/español) Take a look at the list of suggested books to read to your child here. Start logging your books either on the paper log or on the app. Click the link below to find the log for the number of books. 1-100 101-200 201-300 301-400 401-500 501-600 601-700 701-800 801-900 901-1000 Bring your log or mobile device to the Library at each milestone (50 books, 100 books, 200 books, 300 books, 400 books, 500 books, 600 books, 700 books, 800 books, 900 books, 1,000 books) and receive a small reward. When a child reaches 1,000 books, he or she will have their picture taken and posted on our Facebook page (with your permission). Frequently Asked Questions Who can participate in this program? Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate. How long will the program take? The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together. How many of my children can participate? All of them (provided they have not yet started kindergarten)! Make it even more fun and read as a family! Can I count a book more than once? You can! Record the book as many times as you read it!

 

Ms. Lisa, Ms. Jennifer, and Ms. Arlene are available in the library for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. Come in for a visit so we can update your booklets or sign your child up.

Pamphlets:

0 – 100
101 – 200
201 – 300
301 – 400
401 – 500
501 – 600
601 – 700
701 – 800
801 – 900
901 – 1000

YOU DID IT!

One of the best ways to encourage learning is to spend time sharing books each and every day. Reading together helps develop important reading skills that provide a solid reading foundation which is key to school success. Plus, reading together is fun and a great way to bond and relax. Sign up at the circulation desk with Ms. Arlene every Monday (when Ms. Arlene is at the Library) or during Toddler Time or Story Times on Tuesdays or Thursdays when Ms. Lisa is available.

 

You will need to fill out a:

Photo Release Form (if you would like your family photo without names on Facebook or Instagram)
Registration Form

Early Literacy Tips:
1. Have fun reading together.
2. Always have a positive reading experience.
3. Families who begin reading to their children before kindergarten help develop language skills, strengthen and cultivate an extensive vocabulary and improve attention spans and listening skills which are all important tools to develop before kindergarten.
4. By reading to your child, you can help your child learn six early literacy skills

  • Vocabulary/Language – Developing language and vocabulary
  • Print Motivation – Developing an interest in reading and the enjoyment of books
  • Print Awareness – Noticing letters; knowing how to handle a book and how to follow the words on a page.
  • Letter Knowledge – Knowing that letters have names and are different from each other, and that specific sounds go with specific letters.
  • Phonological Awareness – Ability to hear the sounds in words.
  • Narrative Skills – Ability to describe things and events and tell stories

Directions:
It is very simple.  Please visit the Library on Mondays between 11:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. Tuesdays: 10 – 3:00 P.M., Thursdays: 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. or Friday: 10:00 – 3:00 P.M. to fill out a registration form and to pick up the first 100 book reading log.

  1. Complete a Photo Permission Form if you would like us to post a picture of your little one on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
  2. Keep track of each book you read on your child’s personal log by coloring in an animal after you have read a book with your child.
  3. Read any book, or read the same book as many times as you wish. Children tend to love the same book. Think about your favorite book and how many times you read it as a child.
  4. Bring the completed log to the library during the days and hours above to receive your prize and the next log book.