The Power of Early Reading Together
Early childhood literacy begins long before a child steps into a classroom, and the most powerful
tools are simple moments shared between children and their caregivers. Talking, singing, playing,
and reading aloud together build strong foundations for language, imagination, and lifelong
learning. Research shows that children who hear stories regularly develop stronger vocabulary,
better listening skills, and greater readiness for school. But beyond the learning benefits, these
cozy shared moments create lasting memories and deepen the bond between caregiver and child. Every
giggle, rhyme, and page turned nurtures confidence, curiosity, and the joy of reading—one story at a
time.
Building Blocks for School Readiness
There are six essential skill areas that help prepare children for success in school. These skills
develop naturally through play, conversation, and shared reading experiences between children and
their caregivers.
favorite
Love Books
Print motivation is developing enthusiasm and positive associations with
reading through shared story time.
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Use Books
Print awareness is the understanding of how books work, the idea that print
carries meaning, and the ability to recognize text in everyday life.
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Learn Words
Vocabulary involves building knowledge of words and their meanings to help
children express ideas more clearly.
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See Letters
Letter knowledge includes recognizing that letters look different from one
another and knowing their names and sounds.
hearing
Hear Sounds
Sound awareness means listening to and playing with the sounds that make up
words, such as rhyming or clapping out syllables.
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Tell a Story
Narrative skills involve describing things, sequencing events, and
communicating personal experiences.
Make Reading Time Special
- Choose books that you both enjoy—your enthusiasm is contagious!
- Reread favorite books together—repetition builds confidence and comprehension
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Set aside dedicated reading time each day to build a consistent habit and create quality
time
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Let your child participate—ask questions, point at pictures, and talk about the story
together
- Focus on fun and connection, not perfection—enjoy the journey together
- Keep reading aloud together even after your child learns to read independently
- Be a reading role model—let your child see you enjoying books too
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Get your child their own library card! Give your little one the magic of
their very own library card—it's a special key to endless stories and discoveries!
1000 Books Reading Adventure
Build a strong foundation for school success through the power of reading together! The 1000
Books Reading Adventure encourages young children of all ages and their caregivers to develop
strong literacy skills while creating special memories through quality time spent reading
together. Children arrive at school ready to learn and succeed. It might sound like a big goal,
but it's easier than you think!
365+
books in 1 year
730+
books in 2 years
1,095+
books in 3 years
Read just one book together at bedtime each night, and you'll reach over 365 books in a
year—that's over 730 in two years and over 1,000 in three! The key is consistency and making
reading part of your daily routine together. Celebrate milestones along the way to keep the
excitement going and cherish the quality time spent connecting through stories!
Start Your Reading Adventure
How to Join the Adventure
1
Read Together Daily
Make reading part of your everyday routine together. Bedtime stories, morning books,
or anytime in between—every shared read counts toward school readiness and creates
special memories!
2
Track Your Progress Together
Keep a simple log of books you've read together. Don't worry about repeats—rereading
favorites helps learning and becomes a treasured ritual!
3
Register & Earn Rewards
Sign up at
cmcpl.readsquared.com
and receive a free book when you complete the challenge together!
Prefer to track on paper? Download reading logs and start your adventure without signing up online!
¿Prefieres llevar el registro en papel? ¡Descarga los registros de lectura y comienza tu aventura sin necesidad de registrarte en línea!
Reading Suggestions
Not sure where to begin your reading adventure? We've put together fun, age-appropriate reading
lists to help you find the perfect stories to explore. You can search our catalog anytime to
discover even more great books. Try our
e-resources—like
animated storybooks
and more that make reading extra exciting! And of course, we'd love to see you at the library, where
you can learn, play, and enjoy reading fun with us!
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Bilingual Story Times & World Language Books
Join us for Bilingual Story Time featuring stories in Spanish and
English, and explore our collection of children's books in world languages.
Materials for the 1000 Books Reading Adventure are also available in Spanish.
Join Us for Story Time
Story Time brings stories to life with interactive reading, songs, and activities!