The Cinnaminson Library will celebrate the second anniversary of its 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program this week, an event that will highlight the library’s major success with the program and provide residents an opportunity to further their reading achievements.
The 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program was started two years ago, and in its short time, has doubled the amount of participants. According to November numbers, there are currently 209 kids enrolled, although, children’s Librarian Kristie Winks believes that number is much higher now.
“The program has been very successful,” she said. “Out of all of our kids, we have already had 11 kids that have completed the program.”
According to Winks, among the main reasons to participate in the program are its simple and enjoyable ways to approach building literacy skills and its promotion of reading readiness for kids entering kindergarten. The initiative encourages parent and child bonding and also reinforces that parents are a child’s first and best teachers.
“Kids who come into school with a base knowledge of reading do better in school,” Winks noted. “That has been proven in study after study.
“We are big believers in this program and we are happy that the library is able to help.”
Each time a student hits a milestone, he or she is added to the wall of fame. The first milestone is set at 50 books and increases to 100, 250, 500, 750 and ultimately 1,000 books. When the children complete the program, they are given a certificate, a teddy bear and a bag of prizes.
“Sometimes it’s a crunch for the kids to finish the program depending when they start, but it is easier when you start with a newborn,” Winks explained. “Some people think 1,000 books are a lot, but it’s not really.”
According to the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten How it Works Sheet, if children read one book a night, they can reach their goal in under three years. Since the books are short, children who read three a night can reach their goal in just one year.
“We’re really proud of the kids, and the Beanstack App has made it so much easier for the parents,” said Winks. “They are able to just scan the book now instead of typing the book in. It has made it easier to track how many books they read as well.”
Residents can register for the program through a Beanstack account. They may also visit the library this week to take part in several 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten crafts.
