CLIMB Act Introduced to Improve Childhood Literacy for Military Families

Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) introduced their bipartisan CLIMB Act to permanently authorize the popular programs on military installations and at military treatment facilities (MTF) that help improve childhood literacy in military families. Originally authorized as a five-year pilot program in the FY06 NDAA, this successful program provides age-appropriate books to children during their wellness checks ages 0-5 (twice a year).…

Oklahoma Accepted into the Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success

Reach Out and Read Oklahoma joined a network of early childhood innovators across Oklahoma with its inclusion in The Oklahoma Clearinghouse for Early Childhood Success. The Clearinghouse announced its decision in late May.

“We are proud to be included as a research-based intervention that addresses both literacy and social-emotional development for children ages five and under,” said Lori Lake, executive director for Reach Out and Read Oklahoma.…

Reach Out and Read Leads to a Path of Success for Students in Georgia

Three Reach Out and Read alumni were recognized as district winners in the Young Georgia Author Contest.  The purpose of the writing competition sponsored by the Georgia Language Arts Supervisors and the Georgia Department of Education, is to encourage students to develop an enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing and to recognize student achievement in arts and academics.…

Reach Out and Read Reaches American Indian Families in Utah

In 2020, due to more than two years of non-reporting and a lack of book funds for well-child checkups, UNHS-Montezuma Creek Clinic, UNHS-Blanding Family Practice, and UNHS-Monument Valley were deactivated as Reach Out and Read sites. However, with a new partnership from Mankind Is My Business (MIMB), we have reactivated and reinvigorated our pediatric-early literacy work at more than 3,600 annual well-child checkups and brought Reach Out and Read back to Utah for American Indian families. …

SEEKING REFUGE IN A CHILDREN’S BOOK  

For the Afghan families arriving in a new country, books in their native languages of Pashto or Dari will help them feel welcome in the clinic and the community. 

Families that spend time reading aloud together build strong emotional bonds and relieve the stresses of everyday life by seeking refuge in a children’s book.…

The Tiny Bow Project – Pairing Performance with Purpose

Tiny Bow Project

How can a tiny bow raise awareness for reading and literacy? By being worn by the talented NCAA gymnast Megan Skaggs from the University of Florida on national television during one of her competitions.

We are delighted that NCAA gymnast, Megan Skaggs, is helping to bring awareness to Reach Out and Read through her Tiny Bow Project.…

Reading to Your Baby in the NICU

A stay in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) can be overwhelming for a new family as they often struggle with how to bond with their newborn baby.  Dr. Carmina Erdei, a neonatologist and the Medical Director of the Growth and Development Unit at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, joins the ROR podcast to talk about how reading and talking to preemies can offer parents the chance to reclaim at least some of their role, and foster healthy growth and relationships while their child is in the NICU. …

Robie Harris Captures Powerful Emotions in her Children’s Books

Q&A with a Children’s Book Author, Robie H. Harris.  Ms. Harris is an award-winning children’s book author and National Reach Out and Read Board Member, her internationally acclaimed books include When Lions Roar, Who?, and Crash! Boom! The stories she writes include children’s powerful emotions and can bring some order to everyday moments of chaos a child may be feeling.…