Written by Hannah Harp
Spoon Feed
Shared reading beginning at birth improves language development, lessens educational disparities, increases relational play, and much more.
Paging Dr. Seuss…
There is a robust evidence base supporting the introduction of reading to your child from day one of life, and not only for language and cognitive development. Reading together also supports learning social interactions, practicing reciprocal communications, developing a sense of secure attachment with the caregiver, and learning routines which have been shown to decrease behavioral problems once in school. It can provide positive childhood experiences that counteract the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences. In-office programs like Reach Out and Read are effective for assessing a child’s development during a visit, modeling interactive reading to parents, understanding literacy level of parents, and offering community resources when needed.
The study, presented as an American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement, investigates the integration of literacy promotion in pediatric care as a preventive strategy for early development. Using a comprehensive review of evidence, it highlights that pediatric literacy interventions, such as Reach Out and Read (ROR), significantly improve expressive and receptive language development in children by up to six months. It concludes that pediatricians should universally promote and model shared reading starting at birth to enhance relational health and improve personal and health literacy.
How will this change my practice?
No changes…I am a huge supporter of Reach Out and Read, and love providing books that encourage my patients’ bilingualism, have a diverse cast of characters, and promote familiarity with big emotions. For parents who don’t read, you can just see the relief wash over them when you show them that there are more ways to use a book besides reading the words.
Source
Literacy Promotion: An Essential Component of Primary Care Pediatric Practice: Policy Statement. Pediatrics. 2024 Dec 1;154(6):e2024069090. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-069090. PMID: 39342414
