RAISING READERS IN WYOMING
Raising Readers in Wyoming
When parents are given “prescriptions” to read by their child’s doctor, they are four times more likely to read and share books with their children. Books are provided to every Wyoming child at their well-child health care visits or immunizations at ages 2, 4, 6, 12, 15, & 18 months and 2, 3, 4, & 5 years of age.
Healthcare providers play a key role in the Raising Readers program. Our partner providers “prescribe” books for children during their wellness checks. These “prescriptions” are for parents or guardians to read to their child a minimum of 15 minutes each day.
Pediatricians and Public Health nurses have trusted sources of information and advice to parents. Well-child and immunization visits are the doctor’s chance to stress the importance of reading aloud and the effect it has on brain development for each child. The providers give key suggestions to parents on how to read with their children.
Studies have shown that parents are 4 times more likely to read to their children when they have been instructed by a doctor to do so.