Did you know that countless studies estimate as many as 1 in 5 children have reading difficulties? Strong reading skills have long been an accurate predictor of academic success, but public schools do not start children reading on their own until kindergarten. To get kids excited about reading, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge helps establish strong early literacy skills and gives young children the confidence necessary to become lifelong readers.

Research has proven that young children who are read to on an ongoing basis have an advantage when it’s time to learn to read themselves. Reading together builds early literacy skills, which is the foundation for school success. So, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge was born!

While reading 1000 books before your child enters kindergarten may seem overwhelming at first, when broken down, it’s actually a manageable task. For example, if you read just one bedtime story each night for three years, you will have read a whopping 1,095 books. And, if you read three books every day, you will have read 1,095 books in just a single year!

The keys? Consistency and enthusiasm. Make it exciting! When your child reaches a milestone, give him/her a small reward (stickers, crayons, books). Most local programs have a reward system built into place.    

1000 Books: Programs at your local library

Hundreds of libraries have started 1000 Books Before Kindergarten programs. Visit the site here for an easy-to-use directory, or contact your local library to see if it has a program. If your local library does not have a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, you can start your program at home using these resources!

About the 1000 Books Foundation

The 1000 Books Foundation (a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity) promotes reading to newborns, infants, and toddlers and encourages parent and child bonding through reading. For the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, the organization offers reading resources such as, Reading Tips for Parents, Adult Literacy and Education Resources and Resources for Teens. The organization also provides convenient reading logs (or use the iPhone App or Android App) and a recommended reading list. See Program Instructions or Program Instructions en español. Happy reading!

About Success Won’t Wait

Founded in 2002, Success Won’t Wait, Inc. is a non-profit literacy organization based in Wilmington, Delaware. Want to learn more about Success Won’t Wait’s literacy projects, how to donate used books in Delaware, or how to volunteer your time? Click on the About Us tab to learn more. Read now, because success won’t wait!