The following article was written by Dr. Nicola Jones-Stokreef.
The ability to read matters.
Even in today’s technology-dependent world with text-to-voice capabilities, the skill of reading is still considered a predictor of better mental health, physical health and economic success. It is never too early to work on developing reading skills in children.
The Ontario Language Curriculum in schools has changed in the last few years to improve teaching strategies for reading in the earliest grades. Mandatory screening for gaps in key reading skills has been implemented this year in Kindergarten to Grade 2.
Additionally, the Canadian Paediatric Society released a Position Statement in October, 2024: Literacy in school-aged children: A paediatric approach to advocacy and assessment, given the strong link between the skill of reading and the health and well-being of children.
Born to Read is a local non-profit volunteer organization that recognizes the importance of introducing books, stories, oral language, and shared reading as early as possible to our youngest citizens.
Every baby born at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) in Orillia is gifted a package which includes two new children’s books and information about the public libraries in our communities (Orillia, Severn, Ramara and Rama).
Our committee is proud that one of the books for later this spring has been written by an Indigenous writer called My Heart Fills with Happiness written by Monique Gray Smith. The other book for this year is I’ll be a Chicken Too by Lana Vanderlee.
Thanks to the donations of individuals in our community and beyond, municipal councils, and service clubs, 5,000 babies have received this package since we began gifting packages in 2019. Thank you also to the many volunteers, nurses and ward clerks from OSMH, volunteers from public libraries, Manticore Books and the volunteers who package and make deliveries to OSMH.
What can families do to improve their baby’s chances of being a good reader? Spend time every day reading books, talking, telling stories and having conversations. Play together. Have fun! And put away the electronic devices.
Babies do not learn language and reading skills from tablets and phones, but from the people they interact with.
Born to Read is a partnership among OSMH Regional Women and Children Program, Manticore Books and our local public libraries.
For more information and to donate, visit www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca. Click on the Donate Today icon, and then select Born to Read in the ‘fund’ drop down menu or send your donation to the Orillia Public Library, 36 Mississaga St. W., Orillia, ON L3V3A6.
