Aspirus is rolling out a new program aimed at fostering early literacy and encouraging a love of reading in young children.
For many, childhood memories are filled with stories from favorite books—whether it’s Magic Tree House or If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. For others, it might be the Bailey School Kids. Regardless of the book, reading plays a crucial role in a child’s development. That’s why Aspirus is introducing this program to support literacy at an early age.
Visiting the doctor can be a stressful experience for children. The waiting rooms can be dull, and the thought of needles can be frightening. However, a good book can change how kids feel about their doctor visits, making the experience more enjoyable.
Lisa Falduto, the Program Director for Reach Out and Read Wisconsin, explains the impact: “Kids get excited when they see a book. As they turn the pages, you can observe fine motor skills and language development as they point to pictures.”
The program provides free books to young children during their well-child visits.
Dr. Joseph Novak, a pediatrician at Aspirus, shared that families who make reading a regular part of their day see positive results. “Children are more ready for school, pre-K, and social interactions,” he said. “Parents who talk and read with their children are giving them an advantage.”
Falduto emphasized the importance of early connections. “Talking, reading, singing, and playing with your child creates strong connections that shape their development,” she added.
The benefits of this program extend beyond Wisconsin. It’s helping children across the country, and it’s also a relief for parents’ wallets.
“Books can be expensive,” Dr. Novak said. “Building a home library is an important way to support a child’s education.”
Thanks to this initiative, children now view doctor visits in a more positive light. The once-dreaded waiting rooms and needles may no longer seem so intimidating.
One story from the program stood out. A five-year-old, nearing the end of their well-child visits, came dressed as their doctor—complete with a stethoscope and white coat. The child even gave the clinician a book. Falduto described the moment: “It was clear how much this meant to the child and the family.”
Over the course of the program, children receive around 14 books. Research by Reach Out and Read shows that families participating in the program are 2.5 times more likely to read with their children regularly.
