One of my earliest memories is sitting at my father's feet as he read Spenser's Faerie Queene aloud, in preparation for his dissertation. I remember the words settling over me like sheets of fluid type-written paper; I understood very little, but loved the cadence of Spenser's epic poem. I was fortunate to grow up with parents that read aloud to me every day, and it instilled in my an immense appreciation for language and for the art of a good story.
The Louisville Free Public Library is challenging parents in Louisville to read (at least) 1,000 books to their children before they reach kindergarten. According to their website, experts say that children need to hear 1,000 stories before they begin to learn to read. LFPL suggests "Read 3 stories a day; a favorite one, an old one, and a new one. Reading the same book three times counts too. In one year, your child will have hard over 1,000 stories!"
At a news conference Tuesday, Mayor Greg Fischer said, "It is absolutely essential, on many levels, that we prepare our children to learn and succeed from day one."
This Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to noon, you and your children can attend an event to kick off the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge. There will be books, activities and games inspired by Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Check out the main library and check out some books for your kids!
Check out the library's website for a list of helpful resources, including 100 Books to Read Before Kindergarten, and more information about the program and the event this Saturday.
