A: Daily reading can begin as soon as day one for a newborn. One of my all-time favorite priorities at WKAR is providing a vast selection of diverse books, to children throughout the viewing region at a variety of events. There is nothing quite like a table full of books surrounded by children with big, bright eyes excited to select their very own new book. Parents and caregivers take special care in holding up different titles and offering the most powerful aspect of the experience: the right to choose.
However, there is an element of heartbreak that occurs when I offer a parent of an infant a book and the book is turned down. When I question why they would not like one, I hear time and again. The child is too young.
Children are never too young to engage in reading. 1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a great target when engaging children with reading. Years of research has proven a child’s brain is 80% developed by the age of 3. Reading helps shape that development with emergent literacy skills including vocabulary acquisition and print awareness. Books offer sounds, shapes, colors, objects and so much more to a developing child’s world. Parents also report feeling closer and less stressed after reading with their children.
1000 books before Kindergarten means, 365 books a year and by the time a child is in year 3, the goal has been met with several built-in days off sometimes needed, due to the hustle and bustle of life. Keeping a list can double as a wonderful keepsake for the child and to share with their kindergarten teacher.
Mrs. Pizzo
