1000 Books Before Kindergarten

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

About the Program

Helen Hall Library, in cooperation with 1000 Books Foundation, sponsors 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. This program is a free and fun way to boost your child’s brain power. The simple and enjoyable act of sharing books helps your child learn pre-reading skills such as understanding the sounds letters make, developing a bigger vocabulary, and building background knowledge-all important skills that help prepare your child for learning to read and entering kindergarten.

Getting Started

  1. Register: Download the free Beanstack Tracker app, select library as the organization and search for Helen Hall Library. Click on sign up and create an account. After creating the account, add a reader and their information. Beanstack is used for all Helen Hall Library reading challenges and can also be accessed via the Helen Hall Beanstack website for desktop usage.
  2. Track Books: When a book is completed, open the app and click on the + to log the books. From the app you can enter the title or scan the UPC on the back of the book. If you do not remember the title, simply click on “log without a title.”
  3. Every Book Counts: Even if your child wants to hear the same book again and again, you can count it each time. You can also count the books your child hears in storytime, in daycare or preschool, or with a friend or family member.
  4. 100-Book Milestones: Beanstack will alert you when you have reached each 100-book milestone. Come to the Children’s Services Department at the Helen Hall Library for a sticker. Take a picture of your child with an “I have read” sign.
  5. 1,000 Books: Hooray! Celebrate by picking up the final sticker and a super cute backpack for your reader!  
  6. Keep on Reading: Continue to read to them, even if they are beginning to read on their own. Your reading is allowing them to learn more vocabulary and be ready for school!

More Information

For more resources and phone apps to track books, go to the 1000 Books Foundation website.

The name and logo are used with permission from 1000 Books Foundation.