Here are some basic tips for healthcare providers on how to incorporate the Reach Out and Read program into regular pediatric checkups.

Give a brand-new Reach Out and Read book at the beginning of the well-child visit. This way you can use it as a tool during the exam, and should you need to leave the room, the child has something to occupy him/herself with. Do not give it as a gift at the end; take advantage of it, and use it to get answers concerning gross and fine motor skills, cognitive and speech milestones, etc. Model reading the book aloud to the child and explain to the parent what you are doing and why.

If your room does not have something appropriate, please grab a book from another exam room. Remember: the program is geared to children 6 months through 5 years old, so for children older than 5, pass out the gently-used books you've collected or from the bookcase in your waiting room.

Listen to the comments and observe behaviors; give positive feedback or suggestions. Have handouts (such as reading tips, Reach Out and Read bookmarks, etc.) available for parents. Model effective reading techniques to guide parents: point and name objects and colors, ask child appropriate questions, employ silly/cute voices (and/or facial expressions) to make reading fun. Give a Presciption for reading aloud.

Help the parent understand the importance of language and development skills; talk about routines, power struggles, and control issues. Reading together de-stresses and also positively impacts the emotional bond.

Encourage them to do so; kids learn by watching. So, if children see adults reading all around them, they are more likely to become readers themselves. Let them know if they don't have time to read, another family member (siblings, babysitters, grandparents) can fill in! Suggest reading everyday objects together throughout day (clothing and food labels, advertisements, billboards they pass in car or on the bus, etc.). Remind them to take out a library card.

• Stimulates brain development;
• Helps develop pre-literacy language and listening skills;
• Promotes rich vocabulary development;
• Shows child and parent that the reading experience is fun and creates memorable moments, pleasant routines, and a break from TV; and
• Promotes higher self esteem which leads to success in school (and in life)!