1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
The Jack Russell Memorial Library is pleased to offer this Early Literacy Program as part of a state-wide program called Growing Wisconsin Readers. Our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is open to any child beginning at birth until the start kindergarten.
How it works:
1) To enroll in the program, fill out your child’s
information on the “1,000 Books Sign-Up” Google form.
2) Then, download/print off the following forms:
- Reading log: This will help you keep
track of how many books you read together. You will cross off a circle on the
sheet any time you read a book. If you read the same book 5 times, cross off 5
circles!
- Flower template (optional): This can be
used to help celebrate every time you reach 1,000 books! Add a petal to your
child’s flower for every 100 books read. When you reach 1,000 you’ll have a
completed flower. To jazz up the flower, let your child decorate a petal each
time you reach 100 books.
- Brochures
(optional): These will give you tips on why it’s
important to read to your
child, and book suggestions.
3) Children will receive prizes at 100, 500, and 1,000 books.
When you reach one of these milestones, visit the “1,000 Books Milestone
Logging” Google Form to submit your child’s reading. Make sure you submit a
valid phone number as our Youth Librarians will be calling you on that number. Once
your name is submitted, one of our Youth Librarians will call you to schedule a
time for you to come to the library and pick up your prize.
4) When you reach 1,000 books, you will have the option to
submit a photo of your child with their favorite book. This photo will be put
on the graduation poster displayed at the library and shared on our Facebook
page.
Already in the program?
Due to COVID-19 concerns, library staff will not be accepting any in-person
logging of reading. You can keep using your folder you received at sign-up to
track your reading. When you reach one of the prize milestones (100, 500, and
1,000), visit the 1,000 Books Milestone Google Form to submit your name. Then, one of our
Youth Librarians will contact you to schedule a time for you to pick up your
prize. Please note, we also will not be hanging any petals on flowers. If you
would like to create your own 1,000 Books flower, print off the flower template
to use at home.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How old does my child have to be to enroll in the 1,000
Books Before Kindergarten program?
A: If your child is not in Kindergarten yet, they are able to enroll. Yes, even
if they are a newborn you can sign them up for the program! Reading is
important at any age.
Q: How quickly do I have to finish the program?
A: The only “deadline” for the program is when your child enters Kindergarten.
Q: Do the books we read have to be library books?
A: No, they can be any books. Although if you run out of books at home, the
library will have more for you to choose from!