Here's how it works

Mission: Read helps beginning readers in kindergarten through third grade read at grade level and advance to fourth grade.

We're inviting young, beginning readers (kindergarten through third grade) to come with us on a trip that's out of this world! The mission is to read for 1,000 days before 6th grade. 1,000 days sounds like a lot—and it is—but Mission: Read makes it fun!

Readers will never be told what books to read and never have to set a timer. At the end of every day, they simply ask themselves, “Hey, did I read today?” If the answer is yes, they fill in a circle in their journal. Just like that, they'll be one day closer to the 1,000 day goal! They'll learn how easy it is to read every day and how it makes them a better reader. When reading becomes a daily habit, so many things become easier and more fun!

Follow these easy steps

  • Sign up at any Kent District Library location.
  • Receive a reading log and a solar system poster.
  • For each day of reading, color in a circle on the reading log. Any reading during the day counts.
  • After reading for 100 days, come to the library for a small prize and a planet sticker for the poster. Make sure to come back every 100 days of reading to get another prize and a sticker—collect the entire solar system of planets.
  • When you reach 500 days, pick out a free book to keep.
  • And finally, when you reach 1,000 days, receive an e-reader!

 

Visit your library

Resources

Book and activity lists

(click to download English/español PDF)

 

Additional resources

Your local librarians are a wealth of knowledge and can help you choose helpful books and activities. Visit your local library branch today!

Resources for other libraries

Tips for inspiring young readers

How to find great books

  • Choose books that the reader is interested in.
  • Check out different areas of the library. Try non-fiction, fiction, audiobooks, graphic novels or magazines.
  • It's okay to reread a favorite book.
  • It's okay to read books that are above or below the usual reading level.
  • Ask a librarian for suggestions.
  • If a book isn't enjoyable, put it aside and try another. Books from the library are free to check out and there's no penalty for not finishing a book.

Becoming an expert reader

  • It's okay to reread favorite books and poems.
  • Kids can read to a grown up, a pet or favorite stuffed animal.
  • Kids (and grown ups) are never too old to have stories read to them.
  • Choose a chapter book and read to beginning readers before bed. The library has lots of audiobooks for listening anywhere and on the go.
  • Ask a librarian. We know lots of activities to help boost reading skills.
  • Want to strengthen reading? Keep reading!

What parents need to know

The Read by Grade Three law requires that all students in kindergarten through third grade are tested three times each school year. Schools will help students who are not reading at their grade level. Teachers will give parents an Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) and a Read at Home Plan. The IRIP includes five different reading skills:

  • Phonemic awareness (sounds)
  • Phonics (letters)
  • Fluency (reading smoothly)
  • Vocabulary (knowing words and their meanings)
  • Comprehension (understanding stories)

At the end of third grade, all students will be tested with the M-Step reading assessment. If their score is too low, they may not move to the fourth grade.

Mission: Read is a collaboration of all Kent County libraries, Kent Intermediate School District and the Literacy Center of West Michigan to help third graders read on grade level and advance to fourth grade.

Mission: Read resources include:

  • A reading incentive program for young readers, designed to build a love of reading
  • Activity lists with books and activities that grow the five different reading skills
  • Expert librarians who can help parents find resources and learn reading tips

Resources for Libraries

These resources are available to other libraries for use in promoting early literacy. Downloading these files indicates that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions for use.