About Reach Out and Read Massachusetts

Reach Out and Read Massachusetts (ROR-MA) is a coalition of over 245 ROR programs. It is dedicated to promoting literacy as a standard part of pediatric primary care, with the goal of helping all children in the Commonwealth grow up with books and a love of reading. ROR-MA trains pediatricians, nurses, and family practice physicians to integrate literacy promotion into their standard well child visits, and helps secure funding for the new books these providers give to children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Additionally, ROR providers encourage parents to read aloud to their children, stressing the importance of book sharing and hearing language early and often,thereby readying them for school and life long learning. ROR-MA periodically publishes a newsletter (links below) and organizes workshops and conferences for its members.

Coalition Announcements

Partnership with Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Spread the word! During the months of November and December, Barnes & Noble Booksellers in southeastern Massachusetts will hold its holiday book drive benefitting ROR-MA. B&N stores in Bellingham, Walpole, Hingham, Hyannis, Braintree, N. Dartmouth and Chestnut Hill will ask customers to purchase new books for ROR.

If you can volunteer to gift-wrap at one of these stores, the proceeds will go to ROR! Contact Alison Corning-Clarke to see how you can help in your area at 781-686-9522 or alison.clarke@reachoutandread.org. Volunteers are also needed to pick up donations and drive books to ROR programs. Contact Nora Murphy if you have strong arms and a reliable car! 617-455-0657 or nora.murphy@reachoutandread.org.

Thank you Barnes & Noble Booksellers for choosing ROR and for helping us get books into the little hands that need them.

Books are the way up and out!

ROR in the News
Reach Out and Read was recently featured in the “What Works” segment of the NBC Nightly News. You can see the clip at NBC Nightly News

Newsletter Archive:

Fall 2008

Spring 2008

Winter 2008

Fall 2007

Summer 2007

Winter 2007

Fall 2006

Summer 2006

Fall 2005

Spring 2005

Massachusetts Newsletters have gone digital. To subscribe contact Nora Murphy.

ROR Training/ CME Credit

ROR Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners:

Our fabulous, new Reach Out and Read 1.25 credit CME course is ready, complete with 14 video vignettes of fellow physicians modeling ROR in the exam room, in real time.

Immediately enhance ROR visits with your patients by learning new approaches for better engaging with your families about literacy development and the value of reading aloud.

To view a 2 minute vignette from the DVD training, Click Here.

If you would like a copy of the DVD for your practice, please email Nora Murphy.

ROR MA Needs Your Help Getting Used Books to Our Programs!

In addition to giving new books to children, ROR-MA helps give gently used books to sites to create literacy rich waiting rooms, hand out to siblings, and have on hand for sick visits. Children are encouraged to bring home used books to build their home library and further their exposure to books and reading. By expanding home libraries, ROR MA is helping to ensure that children are better prepared for school success.
Individuals and groups can help by organizing used book drives in their communities. Book drives are easy to organize and execute, and they have a large impact. There are 245 ROR sites around Massachusetts that could benefit from a donation of used books. If you would like to learn more about planning a used book drive, please contact Nora Murphy

During these tough economic times, we are in even greater need of used books. Please help us to get books in the hands of Massachusetts most vulnerable children!

Volunteers

Some of our programs incorporate volunteers in waiting rooms. Volunteers model interactive reading techniques as they read to children waiting for their check-ups. Please contact Nora Murphy for more information.

return to ROR website | find a program | ROR coalitions