1,000 Books Before Grade One
1000 Books Before Grade One is a fun, national reading program that many libraries across Canada offer. The Guelph Public Library is now offering this year-round, self-paced reading challenge at all library locations to provide families with strong early literacy supports for their children.
Who is eligible to participate?
This program is specifically designed for families with children who have not yet started grade one.
Note: If older elementary students would like to participate, they are most welcome to participate; however, the children are not eligible for any rewards or the final prize and certificate of completion.
How does this reading challenge work?
It’s easy to participate! Drop by any Guelph Public Library location to pick up your reading log or you can print the reading log here.
Every time a parent or caregiver reads or listens to a book with their infant, toddler, or preschooler, they can check off a circle on their reading log. Each reading log equals 100 books read; readers will need to complete 10 reading logs to reach the goal of 1,000 books before starting grade one.
After each 100-book reading log is completed, visit any library location to drop off the reading log and select a reward then start on the new reading log. Mini rewards will be available at all library locations for readers completing their first nine reading logs.
The 10th and final reading log needs to be submitted to the Main Library Children’s Department only. Upon completion of the reading challenge, the participant will receive a prize, a certificate of completion and an invitation to be added to the “Reading Wall of Fame” display.
When your child has read 1,000 books, visit the Main Library Children’s Department to pick up your certificate and prize!
| My child is just about to start grade one. Can we still participate? |
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Of course! You might not reach the 1000-book milestone but tracking your reading progress is still a great way to motivate your reader and support their early literacy development. |
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What if my child listens to books that are read by other people? |
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Those books count as well! Books read to or with your child by others (teachers, family members, babysitter, Librarian etc.) can also be recorded in the reading log. |
| Do books in another language count too? |
| Absolutely! |
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Can children participate in the Summer Reading Club and Read 1000 Books Before Grade One simultaneously? |
| Absolutely! We highly encourage young readers to participate in both programs. The time you spend reading counts towards both reading goals! |
| Is there an online or digital version of this program? |
| No, there is not an online version of this reading challenge. We encourage you to visit one of our library locations to explore, connect and discover our early literacy collections. |
| Where can I get some book recommendations to get started? |
| Library staff are happy to provide you with reading recommendations as well. You can also request a Book Bundle, phone us at 519-824-6220 or chat online with a Librarian. |
| What do I do with completed reading logs? |
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First, please ensure your child’s first and last name is clearly written on the reading log. Then visit any library location to pick up your reward! For your 10th and final reading log, visit the Main Library to receive your prize and certificate of completion. |
| Is there a reward for completing each individual reading log? |
| Yes! Small rewards will be available for every completed reading log (every 100 books) leading up to the 10th and final log. These smaller prizes are available at all locations. Remember, the final reading log must be submitted in-person to the Main Library Children’s Department to receive your final prize and certificate of completion. |
Helpful Points to Get you Started:
- Reading together is one of the most effective ways to support early literacy development and help children become proficient readers.
- Early literacy includes understanding how a book works, vocabulary development, narration skills (ex. storytelling), recognizing and naming letters, and knowing letter sounds, rhymes, and syllables.
- Reading one book a day = 365 books in one year, 730 books in two years, and 1,095 books in three years!
- Reading with your child is a fun bonding experience that strongly supports their literacy development and creates fun, lifelong memories!
Early Literacy Skill Development includes:
- How to read a book; print awareness
- Vocabulary development
- Learning to tell a story; narrative skills
- Recognizing and naming letters
- Understanding letter sounds
- Rhymes and syllables
- Encourage your family to have fun reading together! Read with expression and enthusiasm. Create a routine for family storytimes such as including stories into your nightly bedtime schedule.
- Each child is unique and you know your child best! Talk. Listen. Engage by asking questions. Repeat over and over. If your child likes to move around while listening to a story, that is okay! Try reading an interactive book or a book that requires the reader to participate.
- When you read, talk, sing and play together, you help to develop your child's knowledge about reading and writing. Children learn best by doing - and they love doing things with you! Be silly. Have fun!
- It's never too early (or too late) to start learning! Join a weekly story time at the Library. All programs are free. They encourage a lifelong love of reading while supporting early literacy skill development. Plus they are super fun! Check out the events calendar to register.
- Visit your neighbourhood library location often with your child. Let them pick out books on their favourite topics and they’ll read more often if it interests them!
Questions?
Rebecca Bieman, Children and Youth Services Librarian
Meg Forestell-Page, Supervisor of Programming, Outreach and Digital Services
Contact(s)