1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Join this free program which encourages you to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten!

The concept is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book (any book, and yes, repeats count!) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your little one starts kindergarten.

If you read just one book a night, you will have read over 1,000 books in three years! If you read three books a night, that’s over 1,000 books in just one year!

The key is perseverance, while making it exciting! Celebrate each milestone. Drop by any CLMA library after a milestone for your little one to collect a prize!

• Read with your child. Studies have shown that reading with your child provides a wonderful opportunity for bonding. Reading together is fun and will create life-long memories for the both of you.
  
  
• Attend a CLMA program. Our storytimes are based on the Every Child Ready to Read elements of singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing that help build early literacy skills, prepare children for school, and foster a life-long love of reading.
  
  
• Keep track of the books that you read with your child. Make a record of what you are reading in a notebook, on your mobile device, or by whatever method you want. Pick up CLMA’s convenient booklet, and you can colour in the symbols for each book you’ve read together!
  
  
• If you are able to, make sure to keep a record of any book that is being read to your child. This includes teachers, siblings, family members, or CLMA program staff!
  
  
• Looking for inspiration for what to read next? Browse through new picture books that have recently been added to our collection!

• Who can participate in this program?
  Any child from birth until he or she enters kindergarten can participate in the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
  
  
• How long will the program take?
  The program will take anywhere from a few months to a few years. The program is self-paced and will depend on how often you read together.
  
  
• How many of my children can participate?
  All of them (provided they have not yet started kindergarten). Make it even more fun and read as a family!