September 16. The sixteenth way that ECBC helps hospitalized kids thrive is by having trained expert volunteers who become model for caregivers as to how to read aloud in ways that help to support interest in books, literacy skills, and cognitive thrivership. For example, bedside readers show the importance of reading aloud slowly and ensuring that kids see the pictures simultaneously to the words being read. Bedside readers also model the importance of asking open-ended questions about the text, of pointing out unknown words and uncovering their meanings together, and of showing their own good and strategic thinking about text so that readers know that reading is about finding meaning (not just sounding out words as many readers learn to do). By showing off behaviors that promote optimal read alouds and quality dialogue, caregivers are able to see and hopefully incorporate some of these behaviors in their own read-aloud interactions with their children. Which is part of the hope of bedside reading, that these situations will lead to many more quality reading experience for kids in the hospital with their own parents and caregivers. 

To support BOOK IT 2020, go to www.runsignup.com/BOOKIT2020. Donate $20 to fund one bedside reading book, and $600 for one month’s supply of high-quality books for the bedside reading read-aloud wagons.  THANK YOU for helping to honor cancer warriors and hospitalized kids during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!