September 14. The 14th way that ECBC helps hospitalized kids thrive through treatment is by reading aloud high-quality literature with good narrative structure, strong psychological landscapes (i.e., characters with emotions), rich vocabulary, and significant themes. Often times when books are read aloud to kids, deliberate choices are not made that pertain to the quality of the book, but when kids listen to and talk about books with these characteristics, their thinking is substantially enhanced— cumulatively so over days, months, and years. This can be especially powerful for hospitalized kids and cancer warriors who often miss out on school, have fewer opportunities for literature-based instruction, and  have conditions or are receiving treatment that affects their cognitive functioning.

To help ECBC boost patients’ cognitive health by providing high-quality literature, click here: runsignup.com/BOOKIT2020. Donate $20 to fund one bedside reading book, $50 for five gifting library books, 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!