Reach Out and Read Program Promotes Brain and Social Development
(ThedaCare)
Reading to children at an early age enhances childhood brain and social development, and is a long-term contributor to a child’s success in school.
For that reason, since 2018, all ThedaCare pediatricians and primary care providers have been engaged with the national Reach Out and Read program, the only national pediatric literacy program endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The program begins with parents receiving a book at their baby’s first post-birth checkup and continues through age five. At each well-child visit, the child receives a book that is age, language and culturally appropriate to take home, with the intention that the parents or guardians will regularly read that book with their child. The providers then talk with the parents or guardians about the importance of reading aloud to children as part of the developmental progress.
“According to research, we know that 90% of a toddler’s brain development occurs between birth and age five, so it’s a critical stage of development,” said Tracey Ratzburg, Community Health Coordinator for ThedaCare. “The initial purpose of the Reach Out and Read program is to get parents reading to their children, and it’s far more than a reading program. It also helps build a social connection and trusting relationship between parents and the child, so it’s relational and literacy growth combined.”
Read full story at ThedaCare here.
Image Credit: ThedaCare