Get Your Child Ready to Read

The Monona Public Library, together with several generous sponsors, want to tell you about their Play, Grow & Get Ready to Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. This fun and exciting early literacy effort is aimed at encouraging families to read at least 1,000 books to their preschooler, birth to age 5, before they enter school.  

Does reading 1,000 books seem daunting? The program description lays out the math in a way that seems more realistic: “One thousand books may seem like a lot, but if you read just one book a night, you’ll meet your goal in less than three years. If you read three books a night, you could reach your goal in just one year.”  

This program was developed to increase awareness about the importance of early literacy as well as encourage parents and caregivers to embrace their role as their child’s first teacher.  

Believe it or not, learning to read begins at birth! Reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your child’s success when they begin school. The goal of this project is to help children enter school ready to learn.

Families can sign up at the Monona Public Library. Each family will receive a parent guide and Woodland Animals Reading Log to keep track of the books that are read.  

“We definitely have young readers who are getting to 1,000 books in a timely manner,” Karen said. “It’s a really great way to track your reading plus your child will end up with a keepsake booklet to enjoy when they are older and their 4th grade teacher is asking them what their favorite books were as a child.”  

The booklet will give caregivers tips about literacy skills and reading with children, plus suggestions for fun things to do together. Each time the goal of reading 100 books is reached, children are encouraged to bring their reading log to the library to receive a stamp, celebrating their accomplishment. Other special prizes will be awarded along the way to 1000 books, including beautiful handmade knit critters. When you complete the program, the child will receive a free book, a fantastic certificate, and an invitation in the mail to the next graduation party.  

An early literacy celebration will be held on Sunday, January 24, from 3:30pm to 4:45pm. The event is targeted to families with children, ages 0-9, and is FREE! This special event will include:

Entertainment & games, glitter tattoos, a Wisconsin Woodland Animals scavenger hunt, a read & puppet play corner, and refreshments! Children will also enjoy storytelling by naturalist Coral Conant Gilles. Join us at this party to recognize young readers who have completed the "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" program!  Children who have finished the program in the past year will receive a special award. Everyone is welcome, whether or not they are signed up for the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program.