Reading 1,000 books before Kindergarten seems overwhelming, but the San- Diego Public Libraries new reading program is working! Since October 2017, more than 96,000 books have been read to children in San Diego. How is that possible? The program 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten recommends parents read three books a day to their children. By doing so, they can read 1,000 books by the end of one year reaching the programs goal. According to Marta- Brandes Miesner, Youth Services Librarian at the Mira Mesa Library, "This supports families in helping their children to enter Kindergarten ready to learn and armed with necessary skills for schools success!"
Studies show that the more a child is read to the more successful they are in school. That is the driving force behind this successful program that is making an impact in the lives of children in San Diego. The program spans across this very diverse city and is geared towards kids 0-5. It turns out that San Diego has some voracious, pint-sized readers. When 1,000 Books was launched at a local library story time, 903 readers were in attendance!
Kids that participate in the program receive lanyards, earn stripes, and certificates for reaching literacy goals. Ms Meisner adds, "Sharing books, conversations, and songs with young children builds language skills, increases vocabulary, contributes to their healthy development, provides skills to succeed in school, and helps assure that they will learn to love reading."
If you don't have the time to read three books a night, or maybe you have a fussy child that won't sit still for three books a day, try reading at least one book daily. You will reach your goal of 1,000 books in three years. To register your child in this program log onto www.sandiego.gov/1000books
