YOU are Important in Literacy Promotion

    Research on early brain development has found that reading to a child promotes the development of emerging literacy.  During this crucial stage children first learn through oral forms of language: listening, singing, and speaking. Some researchers believe "the number of words an infant hears each day is the single most important predictor of later intelligence, school success, and social competence."  As they grow, children begin to make sense of written forms of language:  reading and writing. Young children also benefit from the nurturing relationships that develop from sharing time, cuddling, and talking as a result of reading.  They feel a sense of emotional security as well as accomplishment as their emerging literacy develops.  By the time a child is 5 years old, 90% of brain connections will be made. There will never be a time in their lives when the experiences they have will be of greater importance.

    Healthcare providers are in a unique position and have the potential to influence and foster the promotion of early childhood literacy.  Primary health care providers have regular contact with children and their caregivers, giving them the opportunity to discuss the importance of literacy/reading to children.  Reach Out and Read, a national literacy program based in pediatric offices, has accumulated research to show that literacy-promoting interventions by the pediatrician have a significant effect on parental behavior, beliefs about the benefits of reading, and attitudes towards reading aloud.  Research shows there are multiple benefits to providing books to children during their health care visits.

    We have developed a poster (8^1/2 x 17) for health care provider offices, specifically the waiting room, to encourage interactions and promote literacy among children and families.

We have also developed the 32 Flavors brochure (8^1/2 x 11 pages) for use by health care providers, to give them the ideas and resources to further promote literacy in the health care setting.

    You can click on either of the two pictures above for a full size view of these materials.   We also currently have the "While You're Waiting" poster available, and you may request them from our office by contacting MCMCH by phone (517) 482-5807, fax (517) 482-9242, or email info@mcmch.org.

*There will be a modest charge for shipping and handling, depending on the number of posters requested.

    We should have the "32 Flavors" brochure printed, and available soon, and you may request those as well.