Reading to children is incredibly important for their development. Hearing words through stories helps children learn new vocabulary and sentence structures which gives them a strong foundation for communication and reading on their own later. Early reading stimulates brain growth and supports cognitive development, especially in areas related to language, attention, and memory. Reading to children helps them learn how to sit still, focus, and follow along, which are skills they will need for success in a classroom setting. Books open up new worlds, encouraging children to think creatively, ask questions, and explore new ideas. Reading together creates special moments that foster emotional security and closeness. Children who feel safe and loved are more open to learning. Introducing books at a young age makes reading feel fun and enjoyable and not like a chore. This helps build a lifelong habit of learning and curiosity. Children who are read to regularly are more likely to enter kindergarten with the literacy skills they need, like recognizing letters, understanding stories, and knowing how books work. To help promote reading and encourage children to read, Central Mississippi Library System uses the Beanstack app to help make reading fun and rewarding.
Beanstack is an online reading tool where you can track your reading, join challenges, earn online badges, and make reading a habit. Beanstack is used to encourage reading by providing a platform for logging reading time, books, and activities, and participating in reading challenges. It also allows users to track their progress, set goals, and compete with others, promoting a fun and engaging reading experience. Beanstack is used in various library programs, including summer reading programs, 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, 500 Books Before Middle School, 100 Books Before Graduation, and several other seasonal challenge.
If you do not have Beanstack yet, you can go to your app store and download the app or scan this code.
The goal is to read 1,000 books to your little one before he or she begins kindergarten. That may sound like a difficult task, but you may read any book and read it multiple times! Just one book a day is 365 books in a year. Keep it fun and enjoyable. Bring out the actor in yourself and change your voice, make sounds, and laugh. Read books that interest your child. When your child is older let them choose their books. Library staff can help you find books that interest you both. Children like to hear the same story again and again. They enjoy the repetition and may begin to finish the story as they understand the way the stories are organized. Always carry a book with you whenever you go to keep your child occupied. Library staff can show you how children's eBooks can be downloaded to your mobile device. Your library can print for free a list of the books you have read together and a completion certificate for your records. Each time your child reads 100 books they can stop by the library and have their photo taken with a sign signifying reaching each 100 books milestone.
The more children read, the more fluent and confident they become in their reading skills. Reading 500 books develops vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and overall language proficiency and essential tools for middle school and beyond. Students who read regularly tend to perform better in all subjects, not just English. Reading enhances concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and is important for mastering middle school curriculum. Books expose children to different cultures, perspectives, and emotions. This helps them understand others better and build empathy, compassion, and resilience. Reading longer books over time trains children to focus, stick with a task, and think deeply, which are skills they will need as school becomes more demanding. When reading is fun and engaging, kids grow up seeing books as a source of enjoyment and personal growth and not just a school task. This love of reading supports lifelong learning. Having read hundreds of books gives children a sense of accomplishment and pride. It helps them enter middle school feeling prepared and self-assured. Every book is a step toward building a reader who's ready to thrive in middle school and beyond. Programs like Beanstack or "500 Books Before Middle School" makes reading fun, goal-driven, and rewarding.
Reading 100 books before graduation is more than just a number, it is a meaningful goal that can transform a student's educational journey and personal growth. Reading regularly improves the ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex information that is essential skills for success in high school, college, and life beyond. Books expose students to diverse language, styles, and ideas. A stronger vocabulary and better writing skills give students an edge in essays, applications, interviews, and professional setting. Studies show that students who read frequently perform better across all subjects, including math and science. Reading helps develop focus, memory, and deeper understanding. Books allow readers to step into other people's shoes, understand different cultures, and explore complex emotions. This emotional intelligence is crucial for personal and social growth. Reading 100 books creates a habit of curiosity and independent learning. It sets the foundation for a life of continued education, exploration, and self-improvement. College-level reading requires stamina, discipline, and comprehension skills. Students who have read widely are more prepared for the volume and complexity of college texts and workplace communication. Reaching a 100 book goal builds pride and motivation. It shows students that they can set big goals and achieve them and that is something they can carry with them into the future. Reading 100 books helps students graduate not only with a diploma but also with the tools they need to succeed in life. Every book is a step forward.
If you would like to register for one of these challenges, you can go to
cmrls.beanstack.org or scan the QR code.
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