Did you know reading to children helps to develop language and critical thinking skills, setting them up for success? Children’s earliest years have the fastest growth and are the most important to brain development! Did you know a child’s brain grows to 80% of its full size by age 3? And that in their first few years of life, a child’s brain builds 700 connections per second (Governor’s Books From Birth Foundation).
How can reading help?
Helps a child develop a sense of empathy
Creates a better understanding of the world around us
Increases vocabulary and early literacy skills
Reading just one book a day introduces about 290,000 more words by age 5. Five books? 1,483,300 words by age 5 (Million Word Gap).**
Provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with your littles
**The Million Word Gap study, conducted in 1992, contains important information regarding children’s literacy. However, it is important to note, that while this information has informed current data and research, it would be unfair to dismiss challenges against the study, claiming the population size was too small and that it did not acknowledge systemic racial and class bias. '
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free, fun program that encourages caregivers to read 1,000 books with their child before they start kindergarten. It can be 1000 different books or 1000 of the same (yes, reading Pete the Cat five times in a row counts!). You can even listen to an audiobook in the car or at the park!
Visit the library to grab your first reading logs! Check a circle every time you read a book, and celebrate all of the hard work you will do! You can even keep track of your favorites along the way!
Prizes Galore!
Earn some fun prizes with all of your hard work!
300 Books - Small Prize Bin
500 Books - Coloring Book Set
700 Books - Small Prize Bin
1000 Books - Reading Buddy & a Book to Keep
Check out these awesome resources!
Reading can look different for everyone, but the benefits are outstanding!
Encourage Your Child - Harvard