The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes you can repeat books) before your precious one starts kindergarten. Does it sound hard? Not really if you think about it. If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 books in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think (so get started).
The key is perseverance. Make it exciting. When your child reaches a milestone, give him/her a small reward (stickers, backpacks, books). Most local programs already have a reward system built into place. If a program is not available where you live, join our program today. Most of all be creative!
Make a record of what you are reading in a spiral notebook, online, or by whatever method you want. The journal itself will make a great keepsake item for your precious child. If you are able to, make sure to keep a record of “any” book that is being read to your child. This includes teachers and siblings.
Are you ready to get started? Download our convenient reading logs (or use our iPhone App or Android App) and our recommended reading list:
Program Instructions
- Program Instructions
- Program Instructions (Spanish/español)
Reading Log Sheets
Commemorate Your Child’s Journey (Take a picture with your child holding and share on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) #1000BooksB4K
- I Read 100 Books
- I Read 200 Books
- I Read 300 Books
- I Read 400 Books
- I Read 500 Books
- I Read 600 Books
- I Read 700 Books
- I Read 800 Books
- I Read 900 Books
- I Read 1,000 Books
- Certificate of Completion (fillable and downloadable .pdf)
Apps
- iOS App available on iTunes
- Android App available on Google Play
- iPhone and Android App Instructions (downloadable .pdf)
- ABC Letter Writing iOS App available on iTunes
- ABC Letter Writing Android App available on Google Play
- Numbers & Shapes iOS App available on iTunes
- Numbers & Shapes Android App available on Google Play
- Names & Words iOS App available on iTunes
- Names & Words Android App available on Google Play
Reading Lists
1000 Books Before Kindergarten Swag (items for nominal cost)
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten A Promise and A Pledge (Hardcover Children’s Book)
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten My Journey to 1,000 Books (Hardcover Activity Journal)
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Temporary Tattoos
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Toddler T-Shirts (Toddler Size 5T)
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Shop on Zazzle
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Items from Demco
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Items from EduWear
- 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Items from School Life (including Brag Tags)
Phonics
