Ready… Set… READ!

As parents, we know reading to our children early and often is an effective way to introduce them to language, words and the wonderful world of books. Now, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program at the Fort Worth Public Library makes it easier than ever to give your child a jump on literacy and lifelong learning.

Sign up for the free program when you’re at your favorite Fort Worth Public Library location. Pick up a 1000 Books Before Kindergarten booklet for tips and tracking and a tote bag (while supplies last) to make transporting library books to and from your home easier. Grownups can also use the free Beanstack app to digitally record the number of books their child reads. Once your child reaches designated milestones along the way, bring them to the Library to pick out a fun prize.

The fast track to 1,000

The goal is for your child to read or have read to them 1,000 books before they start school – a large number that melts quickly when you make reading a daily priority. Reading just one book a day – 365 in a year – means reaching the 1,000-book goal in three years. Read more than one book a day to put your child on the fast track.

Tayla Wilshire knows. She and her 14-month-old are just a few months into the program, but by late April had logged more than 160 books. She first learned of 1000 Books Before Kindergarten from other moms in the baby story time they attend at the Reby Cary Youth Library and from library staff members.

“I make it part of our nighttime routine. That’s the best way to make sure we will read at least one book in a day but usually read two to three books,” Wilshire said. “I think that books are so important for everyone, but especially as my child is developing language and then imagination. We learn so much from books and it’s so important to start young.”

That kind of thinking is music to librarian Angela Barratt’s ears. She helps coordinate and develop youth programs for the Fort Worth Public Library, but also has a little one at home who is on the road to reading 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.

“Taking the time to read to our children provides a special time to bond,” Barratt said. “1000 Books Before Kindergarten provides a framework and way to keep track that’s easy to follow and fun for little ones and parents.”

Make reading fun for everyone

It all starts with signing up and opening that first book. Any book a child reads or has read to them – including weekly Library story times or at daycare – counts toward the goal. But there are even greater rewards.

April Jacquez and her son sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten recently at the Fort Worth Public Library’s Ridglea Branch.
Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

April Jacquez and her son sign up for 1000 Books Before Kindergarten recently at the Fort Worth Public Library’s Ridglea Branch.
Photo courtesy of the Fort Worth Public Library

“In our busy lives, taking the time to read to your child provides an easy, no-pressure dose of quality time,” Barratt said. “It’s fun to hear your child giggle at your silly voices and sound effects, and to learn more about what interests them as they get old enough to pick out what book to read next.”

Reading a book more than once also counts as one book each time it is read. Some children love a particular story or character so much that they’ll want to read a book over and over (and over).

Which brings us to another tip from Wilshire: “Find books that you as a parent enjoy, too.”

Not sure where to start? Learn more about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten at fwpl.info/1000books. Visit one of our Fort Worth Public Library branches and to speak with a librarian to sign up. Find book suggestions and our story time schedule at fwpl.info/StoryTime.