Reach Out and Read Wisconsin

“The importance of making connections in the earliest years of life is really significant. By talking, reading, singing, playing, and all of those rich experiences you do with your child, it just forms more and more connections.” - Lisa Falduto, Reach Out and Read Wisconsin Program Director Check out the full feature on WSAW 7 below.

Read Across America isn’t just a week—it’s a yearlong movement to inspire a love for reading in children. The National Education Association offers resources, activities, and book recommendations to help educators, families, communities, and anyone involved in early literacy make reading exciting and meaningful for children. From diverse booklists to event ideas, guest reading tips, and storytelling guides, there’s something for everyone! One example: Kwame Alexander's "The Crossover" story concert will blend poetry and jazz to bring storytelling alive in a new way. Find it and so much more: nea.org/readacrossamerica.

Thank you to Representative Jessie Rodriguez for spending time learning about the Reach Out and Read program at Children's Wisconsin Oak Creek Pediatrics last Friday. Rep. Rodriguez was given a tour of the facility, was able to ask questions to both Children's staff and Reach Out and Read Wisconsin staff, and spent time reading a few books to children. After the visit Rep. Rodriguez said "I was grateful to be allowed to come and learn more about the Reach Out and Read program at the Children's Wisconsin Oak Creek Pediatrics clinic. I hadn't really heard enough about it, and what has been impactful for me is knowing that this is a way for providers to connect with families and see where children are in their growth. But not only that, it is another way to improve literacy and build a connection with parents and children." #ReadAcrossAmerica

Thankful to have Aspirus Health prescribing the Reach Out and Read program in 14 of its clinics--with the first clinic coming on board in 2007. “This program makes reading a positive part of health care visits and provides books to families who might not otherwise have access,” said Dr. Joseph Novak, a pediatrician at Aspirus. #readacrossamerica

#tbt As we start showcasing our Reach Out and Read clinics to local legislators over the next few months - with read-alouds and tours - we thought we'd throw it back on this Thursday with a few pictures from previous visits with state representatives. We look forward to showing what our medical champions do every day to make an impact on the children and families of Wisconsin.

Black History Month. Showcasing a champion of early literacy and relational health. Dr. Dillard Dorve is the medical champion of Outreach Community Health Centers (Reach Out and Read Wisconsin's 300th clinic!) and Assistant Professor at North Side Milwaukee Health Centers Family Medicine Residency Program. She herself was taught about the Reach Out and Read program in residency and is now teaching her residents the importance of the program. Learn more about Dr. Dillard Dorve by clicking through the photos.

Two weeks ago, we headed to the State Capitol to host a briefing session for state legislators on the importance of the Reach Out and Read program. Wendy Molaska, MD, FAAFP, of Dedicated Family Care and co-chair of our advisory council, took the time out of her day to share why she believes our program is so important. Take a listen.

Thank you to the St. Croix Valley Foundation! We received general operating support from its First Thousand Days Grant Program. Reach Out and Read's model is being implemented at almost 18,000 annual well-child visits in 19 clinics in the Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, and Pierce counties. Thank you for making sure we can continue to share brain-building power with children and families across the state.

Froedtert Forest Home Health Center started the Reach Out and Read program in September! We love this fun addition: The front desk gives the family a "golden ticket" when they check-in and then the family gives it to the provider to receive their book at the beginning of the visit. Welcome, Froedtert Health.