The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages reading practices that build a foundation for literacy in the formative years between infancy and five years of age. As part of its ongoing efforts to encourage young readers, the Leavenworth Public Library recently held a celebration for children and their parents in the 1,000 Books program who reached the milestone of 200 books.
Since the Library began the program in February, 166 children have signed up. As of August, 19 reached the goal of 200 books. Ten of those children and eleven parents attended the 200 book celebration. The kids decorated crowns to take home, enjoyed cookies and milk and listened to stories. One child was honored with a certificate and a small gift for already reaching the 1,000 book goal.
Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents and teachers can do with children. It builds many important foundational skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about. The Library offers a variety of reading materials and programs that support parents, caregivers and teachers in preparing children for Kindergarten. For more information on the Library’s early literacy programs, contact Hayden Murphey, Youth Services Supervisor, at 913-682-5666 ext. 9300 or email@example.com.