Program Encourages New Parents to Read to their Children

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary has initiated a new program, "Born to Read," which is a collaborative effort with the Houston Public Library and an extension of the Auxiliary's other program for new mothers, "First Steps," which provides important information about childcare. The program is being funded by a grant from St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities and is the only one of its kind in the state of Texas.

"Born to Read" is designed to familiarize new mothers with the importance of reading to their babies from birth on. First-time mothers at St. Luke's are visited by a volunteer from the hospital's Auxiliary, who explains the program and leaves new mothers with a gift package that includes a baby book in English or Spanish, an application for a library card, and tips on how to read to children effectively.

"Reading is a very important experience for young children," said Nancy Villarreal, volunteer coordinator, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital Auxiliary. "By encouraging new mothers to read, it not only creates a special bond between parent and child, it also enhances a child's listening skills, introduces a child to a wide variety of experiences and helps prepare a child to read."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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