Rodman Public Library announces the launch of its 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative for families with children ages 0-5. The program is designed to help parents prepare their children for one of life’s big milestones: starting kindergarten. Research has shown that children get ready to read years before they begin their formal education, and an excellent way to get children ready to learn is to read to them. To that end, Rodman Public Library hopes the program will encourage families to read at least 1000 books to their children before they enter school.
While this may sound like a lofty goal, it can be achieved. If a child is two years old when he or she starts the program, the family must read just one book per day in order to complete 1000 books by kindergarten. If a child is four years old when he or she starts, simply reading three books per day would allow them to complete the program within one year.
When parents read with their children and make it a special time together, it shows them that reading is valuable and enjoyable and creates a love of reading at a very young age. It also helps children develop background knowledge, build vocabulary, and become familiar with the reading process. By coming to the library together, parents can teach their children how the library works and an appreciation for the wide range of materials that can be found there.
Parents may register their child online or at the library. Those choosing the online version will log their books on the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten website or through the free Beanstack app (available through the Apple App Store or Google Play). Those choosing to register at the Library will receive a paper log for recording their books.
Any book counts, and if the same book is read multiple times it can be recorded each time. After the first 100 books have been read, children can bring their log back to the library to receive a sticker and certificate. When they have completed 1000 books, they will receive a t-shirt. In addition to Rodman Public Library, support for this program has come from the Friends of Rodman Public Library and Coastal Pet Products. For more information, call the Main Library Children’s Department at 330-821-2665, ext. 223.