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Reach Out and Read
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Lt. Gov. Jari Askins Reads to Kids, Inspires Parents to “Reach Out and Read”
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“It is our hope that we can encourage parents to take home Reach Out and Read children’s books and literacy materials and put them to good use,” Lt. Gov. Askins said. “This program works with professionals in the medical field to help convey the importance of parents reading to their children. Parents reading at home will increase their children’s literacy level while creating lasting memories together.”
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| Reach Out and Read was developed by pediatricians and early childhood educators to make literacy a part of routine pediatric care so children enter school better prepared. |
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Exposure to books and reading the first year increases the likelihood of healthy development and success in school.
Reach Out and Read has one of the strongest records of research support of any school readiness intervention.
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| 30% of Oklahoma children entering kindergarten today lack the basic language skills they need for reading. Through Reach Out and Read, kids as young as 2 years old are given a sixth month head start with literacy skills. |
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37 pediatric clinics and health centers in Oklahoma participate in Reach Out and Read.
More than 18,000 Oklahoma children participate annually.
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| Nationally, thousands of doctors this year will give six million new books to 3.8 million low-income families at more than 4,535 locations. |
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