Raising A Reader

The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation understands the importance of family literacy, right from the very start. In response, the Foundation created an exciting initiative called Raising a Reader which helps educate and equip parents to be their child’s first teachers. Raising a Reader parents learn about the importance of healthy brain development and early learning and receive a book and complementary resources to get them off to a great start.

Hospital staff, nurses, and physicians will engage with new mothers about their important role in their child’s literacy development, and instructional videos will play in the labor and delivery rooms in the hospitals. These videos will provide information about the research surrounding healthy brain development and early learning, helpful reading tips on how parents can support their child’s growth, including bedtime bonding and rhythm of speech, and what their child should be able to do at each stage of development.

Healthcare Partners

What the Research Says

The human brain doubles in size in the first year. It keeps growing to about 80% of adult size by age 3 and 90% – nearly full grown – by age 5. For these reasons, the early years in life and the role moms and caregivers play as their child’s first teachers are vital to ensuring that babies get a strong and healthy start in life. Oral language is the foundation for the reading and writing skills children will develop as they enter and progress through school. The more parents read, sing, and talk with their child from birth, the more equipped they will be to learn how to read.

What to Expect

Parents are provided with a Raising a Reader welcome bag that includes:

  • An indestructible book to read with your child

  • Information and resources for literacy and brain development

  • Harris County Public Library card and resources

Resources

Story of Impact

Launching Syed’s literacy journey, he and his family receive resources from HCA Healthcare West through the Raising A Reader initiative.

What people are saying…

“Gifting this to new parents helps give an extra nudge on the importance of reading to your baby early and instilling literacy habits. It will only help our children in the long run!”

— Angelle Candrian, Raising A Reader New Mom

The Raising A Reader program has seamlessly become a vital component of our 'baby care' discussions, fostering meaningful interactions with new moms and babies. It's not just a bag; it's a gateway to nurturing the love of reading right from the start, enriching the journey of parenthood with the positive benefits of early literacy." - Tiffany Hendershott, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at HCA Houston Healthcare West

“We believe that by nurturing early literacy and fostering healthy brain development in our community's youngest members, we're sowing the seeds for a brighter future for our next generation. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our community and we're excited to see the positive changes it will bring for the families we serve.”

— Todd Caliva, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to launch the Raising a Reader program. This groundbreaking initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing early childhood development, empowering new mothers, and enhancing the overall well-being of our community.”

— Megan Marietta, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare West

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