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Give the gift of reading aloud

Updated: May 6, 2019


Reading aloud is one of the most important things you can do to prepare your child to succeed in school and in life. Which s just one of the reasons the Cape and Islands United Way is proud to participate in Reach Out and Read.


Right now, Barnes & Noble in the Cape Cod Mall is partnering with us on a Reach Out and Read book drive! Donate a book through December 31st, and give the gift of reading aloud to a local child.



Why is reading aloud so important?

Reading is the foundation for all learning, yet...

  • 50% of Massachusetts’ children are unable to read proficiently by fourth grade.

  • For our low-income children, this statistic rises to an alarming 71% of children who are unable to read proficiently by fourth grade.

  • In low-income areas, only 1 book is available for every 300 children.


The Reach Out and Read solution

Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.

  1. EDUCATION: Pediatricians trained in our model of early literacy development provide parents with age-appropriate guidance about books and reading at regular pediatric visits.

  2. BOOKS: From infancy through five years, the child is given a brand new book to take home.

  3. ENGAGEMENT: Parents incorporate advice received from pediatric visits and make reading aloud part of their daily routines.

  4. SCREENING: The book is given at the beginning of the visit and used as a developmental surveillance tool.


Reading aloud is fun. It's a chance to have special time with a child. And it helps children learn lots of new words.

Reach Out and Read Outcomes

Amazing things happen when children are exposed to reading!

  • Parents are 2.5x more likely to read to their children.

  • Parents are 2x more likely to read to their children more than three times a week.

  • Families are 2.5x more likely to enjoy reading together or have books in the home.

  • Children’s language ability improves with increased exposure to Reach Out and Read.

  • Children’s language development is improved by3-6 months.



* Information compiled from Reach Out and Read Massachusetts infographic handout.


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