Reach Out and Read: A National Pediatric Early Literacy Program Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Provider Training Mary E. Brown, MD January 24, 2008
Objectives Review background of the importance of literacy development Review components of ROR program Discuss strategies for incorporating advice about books into your routine for WCCs Become familiar with the book selection for our program!
Reading is Fundamental Correlation between history of being read to and learning to read successfully and on schedule! Cycle of poverty Increased risk of reading problems Increased school failure Low self-esteem, substance abuse, teen pregnancy Poverty
Goals of ROR Promote early literacy development Help children learn to love to read Help parents help their children get ready to learn to read NOT about teaching children to read early!
Components of ROR Literacy-rich waiting room Books Volunteer readers – demonstrate reading aloud Anticipatory guidance about early literacy Developmentally appropriate Part of A.G. about development, speech/language, bedtime/sleep Age- and developmentally-appropriate book at WCCs (6 mos – 5 yrs)
Provider Role in ROR Emphasize importance of reading aloud Give the book to the child Encourage/Support parents in helping their child prepare to learn to read Model developmentally-appropriate ways to enjoy books with children Integrate guidance about reading aloud into advice about sleep, routines, etc.
You’re busy… How do you do this?
Tips for Incorporating Books into Your Routine for WCCs Bring the book in at the beginning of the visit Hand the book to the child Easy developmental assessment Time for initial conversation with parent Praise parents for child’s interest in books, link to school readiness and success Slide right into A.G. about language and cognitive development, early literacy development
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
3 years
4 years
5 years
Take Home Points Anticipatory guidance about books is KEY! Bring the book in early Multitask with the book – developmental assessment, distractor for the physical exam, etc. Have Fun!!!