Reach Out and Read

Our Mission...

Reach Out and Read makes literacy promotion a standard part of pediatric primary care so that children grow up with books and a love of reading.

Our Model...

In the exam room, trained doctors and nurses talk to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
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At each check-up from 6 months to 5 years, the child receives a new book to take home.
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Clinic waiting rooms are transformed into literacy-rich areas with volunteer readers modeling techniques of reading aloud.

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Tips on Reading

Tips on Reading provides downloadable guidance on how to make reading a pleasurable activity, and for help identifying the appropriate books for young children.

Parents can make reading with their children part of the daily routine. Reading together in the evening can become an important part of the bed time ritual. For additional suggestions for making reading together a pleasurable experience download ROR's Reading Tips.

Reading Tips

Parents can make reading with their children part of the daily routine. Reading together in the evening can become an important part of the bed time ritual. Here are some additional suggestions for making reading together a pleasurable experience.

Make Reading Part of Every Day

Read at bedtime or on the bus.

Have Fun

Children who love books learn to read. Books can be part of special time with your child.

A Few Minutes is OK

Young children can only sit for a few minutes for a story, but as they grow, they will sit longer.

Talk About the Pictures

You do not have to read the book to tell a story.

Let Your Child Turn the Pages

Babies need board books and help to turn pages, but your three year-old can do it alone.

Show Your Child the Cover Page

Explain what the story is about.

Show Your Child the Words

Run your finger along the words as you read them.

Make the Story Come Alive

Create voices for the story characters and use your body to tell the story.

Ask Questions About the Story

What do think will happen next? What is this?

Let Your Child Ask Questions About the Story

Use the story as an opportunity to engage in conversation and to talk about familiar activities and objects.

Let your Child Tell the Story

Children as young as three years old can memorize a story and many children love an
opportunity to express their creativity.

You can get involved in Reach Out and Read and help pediatricians bring books and a love of reading into the lives of young children and their families.