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Mile Bluff encourages children to Reach Out and Read by Larry Arnold
The purpose of the program is to develop a love of books at a very young age. Children who live in a book-rich environment and are read to during their early years are much more likely to learn to read on schedule. To kick off the program, a supply of books was sent to each participating hospital or clinic, thanks to a grant Mile Bluff received from the national organization. Janell Haske, R.N., B.S.N., who is serving as coordinator of the program, commented: “The physicians and other medical providers are excited about the opportunity to encourage young children to develop a love of books, by giving all children age six months to five years, a book of their own when they come in for a wellness visit.” Two physicians on the Mile Bluff staff, Dr. Jane Petersen-Kattenbraker and Dr. Kim Sabey, while doing their residencies at St. Luke’s in Milwaukee, participated in the Reach Out and Read program there. Both have shared what they learned while working with the program. Dr. Peterson-Kattenbraker spoke to members of the medical staff when she made a presentation about the program at one of their monthly meetings. They, as well as other staff members, are enthusiastic about the program. In discussing ROR, Dr. Peterson-Kattenbraker said: “The program gives physicians a chance to include development of reading skills in teaching parents about the health of their children; it shows how important learning is and how it is connected with their overall health; we talk about diet and exercise, now we can talk about reading to children. It’s fun to see how the kids develop their fine and gross motor skills as they turn the pages and it keeps them distracted as we look in their ears!” She added: “I think we all suspect that books are more important for a developing brain than television, and research supports this. There are many studies that show the positive influences of the Reach Out and Read program, including statistical improvements in preschool language scores (a good predictor of literary success), improvements in children’s abilities to express themselves and understand, and reduction in the number of children with language delays. I am not aware of television shows or video games that can show this kind of success for our children. Also studies show that with the ROR program, kids and families are enjoying reading more, listing it as one of their favorite activities. In these tough economic times, that free library card may provide all of us - especially our children - with some healthy, educational entertainment.” She noted the importance of reading skills, even in the early grades. “You have to be able to read well to succeed in school. After third grade, even math has reading involved.” In discussing the program, Dr. Sabey said: “There has been a very positive response from the children as well as their families.” She pointed out that the reaction of the children varies according to their age; many of the children open the book and start looking at pictures right away in the exam room, and the babies often immediately start chewing on the corners.” Dr. Sabey felt that the program will have a marked effect on the development of reading skills, and that reading is important to a child’s development and is a significant aid in brain development. She added: “The ability to read is a key to education; reading and writing ability are life skills and key skills to every child’s success in school. Parents play an important part in their children’s development by reading to them when they are young and promoting their interest in books and reading as they get older. The more children see and hear their parents read, the more they’ll be interested in learning to read, and the faster their reading skills will develop.” Another Mile Bluff physician, Doctor Ann Hoffmann, commented on the program: “I would say this is a fantastic opportunity to encourage the love of reading in children, and encouraging parents to participate.” Photo Caption: Dr. Kim Sabey presented six-month-old Cecil Turner-Aponte with a book as part of the Reach Out and Read program when his mother, Rachel Turner-Aponte, brought him to the Delton Family Medical Center for a wellness check. |
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Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161 Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948 608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377 © 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center |
Mile Bluff
Medical Center and Mile Bluff Clinic, LLP have joined over 3,000 hospitals and
clinics nationwide in a program called Reach Out and Read (ROR). While
conducting pediatric examinations of children six months to five years, the
medical providers present each of them a book to take home and keep. The
program distributes 5.4 million books each year.