Monday, December 10, 2018

1000 Books Before Kindergarten at LME Library


The Lillie M. Evans Library in Princeville is now participating in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge.  Reading to your child is a great way to bond and create warm memories together. It fosters a fondness for books that can last a lifetime. Early successful language activities, such as sharing stories, contribute to the prevention of reading difficulties in school.

Parents can sign up their children at the LME Library desk and pick up their reading packets during regular hours.  Numerous studies estimate that as many as one in five children have difficulties learning to read.  Reading has been associated as an early indicator of academic success.  Public formal education does not typically start until ages 5-6.  Before then, parents and caregivers are the first education providers during the 0-5 early critical years.

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge is a simple and manageable endeavor. Read a book, any book to your child, with the goal of reading 1,000 before kindergarten. If one book a night is read, that equates to 365 books a year. In 3 years, more than 1,000 books will be shared. LME Library participants will receive a log folder to track their reading. Each time you read 100 books to your child(ren), bring your log to the library for your reward.  Parents can also include readings by others, such as grandparents or siblings, in the child’s reading log. Readers who complete the 1,000 books challenge are invited to an annual party!  

A home life that includes positive experiences with reading and the library ensures positive attitudes for reading once in school. The experiences with talking and listening during preschool years, such as when a parent and child read together, help prepare the child to master reading and writing skills in the early elementary school years. Reading has long been associated as an early indicator of academic success.

For more information about the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, call the library at 309-385-4540 or visit our website at lmelibrary.org.