PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 63 No.1 Fall 1998

READ TO ME

Research has proven that it is no longer nature vs nurture, but a complex interplay between genes and the environment that has a profound impact on children's language, reading and writing skills. Building on research on brain development and emergent literacy, the Idaho State Library developed the Read to Me program, designed to encourage parents and caregivers to stimulate young children through reading and related experiences.

Peggy McClendon and Stephanie Bailey-White, coordinators of the Read to Me program, described the goals, progress and successes of the program in the workshop, "Library Services for Young Children and Their Families." Through partnerships and grants, an outreach program is reaching hundreds of children whose parents or caregivers may not be aware of libraries or of the importance of reading aloud to children under the age of three.

Stephanie and Peggy discussed Lapsit programs and shared a sampling of appropriate books and magazines to use with young children. Their excellent handouts would serve as a guide for any library starting or enhancing programs for infants and toddlers.

For detailed information, read Time magazine's Special Report, "How a Child's Brain Develops." February 3, 1997 and visit http://www.lili.org/is/RLRDTOME.HTM.