The 1000 Book Club Program is a reading program designed for preschoolers, kindergartners and their families. The program’s goals are:

• To have quality literature readily available so that each child will have a two-year period to hear 1000 stories.
• To help children develop a lifetime bond with reading and books.
• To provide incentives for families to read with their children.
• To foster a positive connection between home and school.
• To ease the transition from preschool to kindergarten by frequent visits to PRS for book bag selections and monthly story times.

The purpose for providing this program is that we believe that:

• reading begins in the home. …children acquire knowledge before coming to school which builds the foundation for reading.
• research has shown that “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”
• we, at Plymouth River School, can help parents promote reading in their homes by providing a free and easy way to obtain quality literature.

How the program works:
(Click here to view a PowerPoint slide show that explains the program.) 

• Children who are currently in kindergarten or will be attending kindergarten in September 2010 or 2011 are currently eligible to participate at this time.  These children MUST reside in the "newly defined" Plymouth River School district. 

• For present kindergartners and children who will attend kindergarten in September 2010 or 2011 you must register here.  Or you can download a registration form.  This form should be left in the PRS 1000 Book Club bin located at the book racks in the PRS front lobby - or you may mail it to Mrs. Donovan at 200 High Street, Hingham, MA  02043 - Attn. 1000 Book Club. 

• Families should return their bag within two weeks and then select another bag.  They will continue to do this until they have read 100 bags (1000 books) or “graduate” from the program (spring of their kindergarten year) or reach the goal of 1000 books (whichever comes first).

• When a child has completed one of the “milestones” of 25, 50, 75, or 100 bags he/she will receive a certificate, ribbon, t-shirt or trophy, respectively. These awards will be presented at Plymouth River’s all-school meetings (usually the first all-school meeting for the month) or they may be picked up in the school office.  Click here for an online form.

• There will be occasional Story Times for preschoolers held at PRS.  Not only will the preschoolers experience a “read aloud” and have time to exchange book bags, but they will also have opportunities to feel comfortable in the “big school” where they will attend kindergarten. Click here for dates and times.

• Be sure to go to our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you would like to support this program you can also donate a book bag in memory of someone or to honor someone special.  The 1000 Book Club Committee will select a book bag and dedicate it to that special person.  You can download a form here.  If you would like to donate a book bag the cost is $25.  Checks should be made payable to 1000 Book Club Program. Any questions please contact Laura Donovan 781.741.1530 or LDonovan@hinghamschools.com

  Many thanks to Beth Disque of Birchwood School (Niskayuna, NY) for providing the inspiration and information for this program.  She provided many, many resources for us to implement our own 1000 Book Club Program.  We are very appreciative of her dedication and creativity.

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