A Pediatric Early Literacy Program developed at Boston Medical Center
The Children's Clinic Kid Med office offers Reach Out and Read (ROR), a program that promotes literacy as a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading.
Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical provider, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.
Research studies indicate that children who live in environments rich in print and in spoken language, and have early exposure to children's books through reading aloud, are more likely to become successful readers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has promoted reading skills as one of the building blocks to early childhood development, and the Academy has become particularly concerned about the importance of reading.
At Kid Med well-child check-ups children, ages 6 months to 5 years, will receive a new, developmentally appropriate children's book. In the examining room, nurses offer parents tips and age-appropriate advice about the importance of reading with their young children.
In the clinic waiting room, volunteers read stories and look at books with children, thereby modeling reading aloud techniques for parents.
As part of the Reach Out and Read Program, we have used books in our waiting rooms at all locations so that all youngsters will be able to take a book home. If you would like to contribute used books to the Clinic waiting rooms, please bring your books by our main office on 2903 First Avenue.
For information from the Reach Out and Read National Center click on this web site: www.reachoutandread.org
The Children's Clinic Kid Med office offers Reach Out and Read (ROR), a program that promotes literacy as a standard part of pediatric primary care, so that children grow up with books and a love of reading.
Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric checkups from 6 months to 5 years of age, with a special focus on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical provider, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities encourage early literacy skills so children enter school prepared for success in reading.
Research studies indicate that children who live in environments rich in print and in spoken language, and have early exposure to children's books through reading aloud, are more likely to become successful readers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has promoted reading skills as one of the building blocks to early childhood development, and the Academy has become particularly concerned about the importance of reading.
At Kid Med well-child check-ups children, ages 6 months to 5 years, will receive a new, developmentally appropriate children's book. In the examining room, nurses offer parents tips and age-appropriate advice about the importance of reading with their young children.
In the clinic waiting room, volunteers read stories and look at books with children, thereby modeling reading aloud techniques for parents.
As part of the Reach Out and Read Program, we have used books in our waiting rooms at all locations so that all youngsters will be able to take a book home. If you would like to contribute used books to the Clinic waiting rooms, please bring your books by our main office on 2903 First Avenue.
For information from the Reach Out and Read National Center click on this web site: www.reachoutandread.org
