Books Build Better Brains - Thank You!
Early last week we welcomed Dr. Dipesh Navsaria , UW Madison Pediatrician, to the library to present information about research on early brain and childhood development and how they affect literacy.
His presentation was filled with dynamic and thought-provoking research, tossed with a sprinkle of humor.
We would like to extend a big thank you for all who worked so hard to bring Dr. Navsaria and our community together; Outagamie-Waupaca Library System, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Appleton Education Foundation and Child Care Resource and Referral and Karin Mahoney. We would also like to thank the speakers; Julie Krause, Dr. Sarah Campbell, Amy Wilson, Kimberly Quinn, Yee Vue and Dr. Dipesh Navsaria.
Below is a quote from Appleton Area School District Superintendent, Lee Allinger:
“Books Build Better Brains” was the title of a recent presentation by UW Madison Pediatrician, Dr. Dipesh Navsari. In a talk sponsored by the Appleton Public Library and the Appleton Education Foundation, Dr. Navsari shared the neuro science behind early learning for babies. He also shared the reciprocal or “serve and return” nature of interactions between babies and adults that best promote new learning.
Dr. Navsari noted that when we do not recognize this important time period in a child’s development differences in brain development can be seen as early as 18 months. Pediatricians across the country are recognizing this critical time period and responding with their “Reach Out and Read” program. Reach out and Read provides children’s books to pediatricians who then distribute these books to babies and their parents.
Parents who know the importance of reading to their child also need access to books. The Appleton Area just received a significant boost to our book supply when we won a “Truckload of 40,000 Books” from the First Book program. First Book is a national nonprofit that provides new books to children.
Programs such as “Reach Out and Read” and “First Book” get books into the hands of our youngest learners well before they even start school. A prescription for their future success.
I am Lee Allinger, Superintendent of the Appleton Area School District, and this is my Fox Cities Viewpoint.
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