Pediatricians-in-training advocate child reading

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ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill., April 29 (UPI) -- The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Medical Students, Residents and Fellowship Trainees Monday began its program on early U.S. childhood literacy.

From April 29 through May 5, pediatric residents, medical students and fellowship trainees will highlight programs meant to increase reading to, and among, young children, the AAP said.

As part of the advocacy campaign, daily activities encourage pediatricians, parents and caregivers to talk about the importance of reading.

-- April 29: Social Media Monday urges pediatric residents to post their favorite childhood book on social media.

-- April 30: Turn off the TV and Read Day: Families are encouraged to take a break from screens and read a book.

-- May 1: Read-A-Thon. Patients will be encouraged to read while they wait in pediatric clinics and emergency waiting rooms.

-- May 2: Prescribe a Book Day has pediatricians "prescribe" patients to read.

-- May 3: Resident Project Unveiling. Resident-designed programs to increase reading on the AAP SOMSRFT Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AAPSOMSRFT?fref=ts.

-- May 4: Random Act of Reading urges pediatric residents to donate a new or used book to a child in a store, in the hospital, or on the street.

"Pediatricians know that a family routine of daily reading with their young children contributes significantly to their later literacy skills and success in school," Dr. Thomas K. McInerny, president of the AAP, said in a statement. "In addition, reading books with children is an interactive activity that promotes their social and emotional development."