Our Message
Reading Rx collaborates with community medical clinics to provide a three component message for families:
Shared Reading
The shared reading component has a multitude of benefits for all ages: it increases vocabulary, improves world knowledge, fosters interest in and a positive attitude about reading, increases likelihood of additional dialogue, and helps develop a sensitivity to sound. Probably most importantly, it offers a time for emotional connection. Reading Rx provides the tools for shared reading, including a kiosk of great books and brochures for clinic waiting rooms, along with multicultural age appropriate books to give away to children and families.
Limited Media
The media component is very complicated, as children can both enjoy and learn from television, computers and video games. Unfortunately, today's children often spend a large amount of time in front of a screen with minimal limits on content. The key message is helping children become effective media consumers, which cannot happen without a family decision on screen time limits. Reading Rx offers training and tools to help parents and children in setting and reinforcing these limits.
Library Visits
The third component fosters participation with the local public library. Libraries have a wide array of services that offer a world of opportunities for families. Reading Rx links clinics with their local library partners and provides incentives for family library visits.