Pediatricians Increase Literacy with Reading Program
Well-child checks at Virginia Mason Federal Way involve some joyful sounds and happy faces. The pediatricians give out free, new books for children between six months and five years at every well-child check. The goal is to promote reading and literacy development through a program called Reach Out and Read.
“The look of wonder and excitement on a child’s face when enjoying a new book is rewarding enough but to also know that each book is building a foundation towards life-long literacy skills is priceless,” says Lauren Athay, MD. She is one of the pediatricians at Federal Way and leads the Reach Out and Read program there.
1,000 Books
Virginia Mason donors supported the launch of the program beginning in July 2017. Now Dr. Athay and the six other pediatricians are extremely proud to be close to giving out the 1,000th book. The doctors receive training in how to give advice and model reading for infants and children. Often, parents are surprised to learn that they can read to their babies early on and that a child can learn more when their parents interact with the child while looking at a book.
Reach Out and Read has produced meaningful results. With the program:
“As a pediatrician, it is my honor to help guide parents in raising happy, healthy and successful children,” says Dr. Athay. “Early reading experiences, opportunities to build vocabulary and literacy-rich environments are the best ways to support the development of pre-reading and cognitive skills that ensure children are prepared for success at home, in the classroom and in any future workplace. We’re grateful to our Virginia Mason donors who made this program possible.”
Parents appreciate the program:
“It really reiterates reading and spending time with your kids. It is wonderful.”
“This is a great program and we love that we get a book with every visit. It encourages me to read to my baby. Thank you.”
Virginia Mason hopes to bring the program to other locations. Please consider donating to Virginia Mason's programs.
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