Literacy and Reading Initiative at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital is in partnership with University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Pediatrics. Our vision is to be a leader in literacy promotion through modeling and educating families, caregivers and staff about the importance of reading to and with children, especially in early childhood.
Goals of the Program
- Utilize already occurring interactions with clinical staff, volunteers, corporations, donors and special events to promote early literacy through education and book distribution
- Determine literacy efforts in place throughout the hospital, clinics and community outreach division and determine ways to collaborate, coalesce and communicate about efforts
- Develop ways for donors and corporate partners who are interested in literacy to engage and support Le Bonheur
- Determine strategic community collaborations with other children’s focused organizations working to support literacy (Memphis/Shelby County Libraries, Literacy Mid-South, etc.)
- Utilize review process that prioritizes representation of Mid-South children and families, with stories that are relevant and engaging, accurately reflect and affirm a diverse range of identities, cultures, and histories and contain illustrations that are appropriate, recognizable to young children, child-friendly and supportive of the story.
Literacy Initiatives
Book Distribution
- Books and information on reading and literacy will be distributed throughout Le Bonheur campuses
- The Literacy Committee will engage with donors, community partners and others to obtain appropriate books.
Reach Out and Read – residents and volunteers
- Evidence-based national literacy program based in the General Pediatrics clinic with expansion plans for other clinics
- Training for residents about literacy promotion with parents and families
- Book distribution at well child visits for children from birth through 5 years of age
- Registering families for Books from Birth
- Le Bonheur volunteers read in literacy-rich clinic waiting rooms and to children throughout the hospital
- Special literacy celebrations for children in the hospital and throughout various Le Bonheur locations to include book giveaways
- Utilize special exam table paper to promote shared reading experiences and interaction (based on available funding)
Developmental Pediatrics Clinic
- Registering families for Books from Birth
- Distribution of books for 1, 2 and 3 year-olds that are connected to development milestones, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program
- Developmental promotion materials from the “Act Early” program are also used to encourage reading
- Tips and activities provided and materials to emphasize the value of reading
Le Bonheur Book Cart – Roll Out and Read
- Donor funded carts and books
- Le Bonheur-branded cart stocked with a diverse range of books
- Staffed by volunteers
- Carts in all Le Bonheur locations (Medical District campus, Jackson, Humphreys, Outpatient Centers in Jackson, Jonesboro and Tupelo). Stocked with new, purchased or donated books.
Literacy Mid-South Read 901 Book Vending Machine
- Located in the Emergency Department waiting room
- Main book supply from Literacy Mid-South with supplemental books from Literacy Committee
- Stocked by Literacy Committee members and/or Le Bonheur volunteers
- At least twice a week
All Kids Academy
- UTHSC/Le Bonheur/UofM collaboration to engage children, families, pre-/post-graduate professionals in educating children during prolonged hospitalization
- Le Bonheur staff member based in the Family Resource Center is a member of the Literacy Committee and a liaison to families
- Pilot program has emphasis on early learning and development for children from infancy to 5 years. Early literacy promoted to caregivers, supported by resources and referral
- Registering families for Books from Birth
- Distribution of books for 1, 2 and 3 year-olds that are connected to development milestones, using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program
- Developmental promotion materials from the “Act Early” program are also used to encourage reading
- Tips and activities provided and materials to emphasize the value of reading
Family Resource Center
- Book depository for the hospital
- Parent education about reading to all ages (including preemies)
- Registering families for Books from Birth
- Utilize Le Bonheur, UTHSC and AAP branded bookmarks by age for parent reading tips
- Educate patients/children how a library works, allows them to check out and return books (we allow them to keep their favorite)
- Facilitate large book donations – ensure they are distributed to other locations, clinics and community outreach
- Organize monthly story times staffed by volunteers and residents
Want to Help?
Donations are vital to ensuring the success of this initiative. Donate today to the literacy fund.
