Reach Out and Read

Reading and Wellness

Reach Out and Read is a national program to make literacy promotion a part of regular pediatric checkups. When children, between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old, come for their well-child visits, parents hear directly from their child’s primary care provider about the importance of reading aloud, learn about age-appropriate tips and encouragement, and all children get a new book to take home and keep. In addition, the waiting room often utilizes volunteers to conduct read-alouds that both entertain children and model good practices for parents. Research has shown that families served by the program read together more often and children have larger vocabularies and stronger language skills.

Locations

Reach Out and Read is currently offered at the Berks Community Health Centers.