1. Reach Out and Read: A National Pediatric Early Literacy Program
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Provider Training
Mary E. Brown, MD
January 24, 2008

2. 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!

3. 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

4. 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!

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. You’re busy… How do you do this?

8. 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

9. 6 months

10. 9 months

11. 12 months

12. 15 months

13. 18 months

14. 24 months

15. 3 years

16. 4 years

17. 5 years

18. 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!!!