The public libraries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia offer a great program to help local children get ready for school--1000 Things Before Kindergarten! A thousand things sound like a lot but when a child is read to for just 10 minutes a day from birth to age 5, that child is prepared to walk into the kindergarten door ready to learn. Research shows that 80% of brain growth happens in the first three years of life, making it a critically important time in a child’s development.

In partnership with the Library of Virginia and the Soho Center and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, 1000 Things Before Kindergarten features a custom folder, log sheets, activity suggestions, and book prizes for every 100 books or activities completed. Activities include things like playing with water, singing, counting, measuring, drawing, coloring, and visiting the library. It will not take long to earn a brand-new book. Every time a child visits a story time event at the public library, they will be able to log at least four or five activities/stories. The day is full of opportunities to have positive “before kindergarten” early literacy experiences and finding quiet time to read one more good book with a child is always a great way to end the day.

You can also register online and log your activities using our Beanstack application.

Questions? Email us at youthservices@espl.org or call 757-787-3400.