Making Books Part of a Healthy Childhood
Reach Out and Read South Carolina is part of the nationwide Reach Out and Read organization.About Us
Reach Out and Read - South Carolina Board Members
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.
ROR builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. The 3.8 million families served annually by ROR read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, with stronger language skills, and better prepared to succeed.
The Reach Out and Read Model
Pediatric healthcare providers (including pediatricians, family physicians, and pediatric nurse practitioners) are trained in the three-part ROR model to promote early literacy and school readiness:
- In the exam room, doctors and nurses speak with parents about the importance of reading aloud to their young children every day, and offer age-appropriate tips and encouragement.
- The pediatric primary care provider gives every child 6 months through 5 years old a new, developmentally-appropriate children's book to take home and keep.
- In the waiting room, displays, information, and gently-used books create a literacy-rich environment. Where possible, volunteer readers entertain the children, modeling for parents the pleasures - and techniques - of reading aloud.
Partners
Palmetto Health Children's Hospital
ROR National Center
Scholastic Inc.
Success By 6
Warbranch Press
South Carolina First Steps
Select Health of SC
SC Early Childhood Association
State and Public Libraries
Department of Social Services
DHEC
SC Legislature
Kiwanis
Rotary International
Junior League International
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ROR National Center