Reading Challenges for Children

1,000 Books before Kindergarten™ - 1,000 Books before Kindergarten ™ is a self-paced, early literacy program designed to increase vocabulary, build reading confidence, and promote pre-reading skills necessary for kindergarten. As studies show, reading aloud to children is one of the first building blocks to learning and success, caregivers (for children birth to age 6) are encouraged to read to their child(ren) often. By registering for this program, caregivers can log and track their reading while children reach fun milestones along the way to hearing 1,000 books read before kindergarten. Register online, at https://volusialibrary.beanstack.org/reader365. After registering, starter kits can be picked up at any branch.  

Growing Readers Reading Challenge is a self-paced, long-range literacy challenge for children in grades K–2 that helps grow new readers by combining high-frequency word practice that builds sound-letter connections (and fun incentives) with regular reading experiences to encourage new readers to develop, hone, and strengthen their reading skills through playing, talking, singing, writing, and reading practice. As studies show, practicing reading builds a child’s language skills, supports brain development, and promotes school readiness. Further, a child’s ability to recognize high-frequency words (words commonly used in early reading) through repetition and emerging decoding skills supports reading fluency, comprehension, and overall school success. By registering for this program, caregivers can help their child(ren) practice, log, and track their reading and activity progress. Register online or by visiting any VCPL branch. After registering, starter kits can be picked up at any branch.

Raising Readers Reading Challenge – Raising Readers Reading Challenge is a self-paced, long range literacy challenge, for children in grades 3-5, that cultivates growing reading skills during a critical stage in a child’s literacy journey – when they progress from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Through a collection of age-appropriate short articles, children will be encouraged to read at their own pace – building confidence, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading. These brief non-fiction articles offer children a glimpse into the wonders of the animal kingdom and the marvels of the natural world. From crawling critters to surprising sea creatures, each article sparks a kernel of curiosity, builds vocabulary, and helps children practice their newly developed reading skills. By registering for this program, caregivers can help their child(ren) practice, log, and track their reading and activity progress.  Register online or by visiting any VCPL branch.  Register online, at https://volusialibrary.beanstack.org/reader365. After registering, starter kits can be picked up at any branch.

Read It & Rate It – Read It & Rate It is an interactive literacy program designed for children up to age 12 to support grade-level reading initiatives.  While visiting the library, children can practice basic reading, listening, and conversation skills by selecting a book, reading it, and sharing their book review (and rating) with library staff.  A variety of different books are provided in the children’s section, at select locations, on a weekly basis.

Volusia County Public Library uses Beanstack’s digital platform to make reading fun and rewarding for all ages.  It is a reliable, easy-to-use resource where readers can track their reading, join library challenges, and earn badges and milestones along the way.   Any of the reading activities and challenges the library uses via the platform are thoughtfully managed by library staff, based on the interests and needs of our local community.  When children participate, it is with the guidance and permission of their parent or caregiver.