The pediatrics team at Aspirus Plover Hospital & Clinic is
passionate about the benefits of reading to infants and children.
“The families we
care for trust us to guide them on all aspects of their child’s health and
development,” said Jolyne Check-Ostrowski APNP, a pediatric nurse
practitioner at Aspirus Plover Clinic. “That’s why we incorporate Reach
Out and Read into our clinical practice.”
Reach Out and Read
is a nationwide network of clinicians that encourages reading to children to
nurture literacy and parent/child bonding. Check-Ostrowski was instrumental in
bringing the program to Aspirus Plover Hospital & Clinic 10 years ago, using
grants and local community funding. Aspirus Health Foundation now provides the
financial support.
“We provide books to
children at every well visit, starting at age four months through five years,”
said Check-Otrowski. “At every visit, we emphasize the importance of reading to
their little ones, even before they can communicate.
Studies demonstrate
that reading to children early on not only strengthens their cognitive
development, communication skills, and later academic success, but it also
establishes a lifelong love of reading.
“We show parents how
to hold books to best engage their child, and how to interact with the story
and pictures to help their child follow along,” said Check-Ostrowski. “We also
share advice on how to talk about stories with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.”
Studies show that
the Reach Out and Read model has a significant effect on parental behavior and
attitudes toward reading aloud and that participating families read more
frequently to their children. Interestingly, studies also show that families
involved with the Reach Out and Read program demonstrate higher attendance
rates for well child visits.
“It’s very rewarding
to see parents leave inspired to cuddle up with their little one and a book,”
said Check-Ostrowski.