Early Childhood Literacy: Born to Read and Little Ones Read
Born to Read and Little Ones Read are early childhood literacy programs that promote the joy of reading to babies and toddlers.
How do parents get the free books?
Parents of newborns on Prince Edward Island are given a free Born to Read bag during your regular wellness visit with Public Health Nursing when your child is two-months of age.
You will receive a copy of Baby Look, an accordion-style tummy time book published in Atlantic Canada. Inside the bag, you will also find baby’s first library card along with information about resources and programs for babies at provincial library branches.
During your toddler’s 18-month wellness check with Public Health Nursing, you will receive a second book, Look At Me Now! as part of the program.
Both books are carefully chosen based on children's age and stage.
Why do babies need books?
Reading aloud to your baby or child, at any age, is a chance to play, have fun, talk, sing and laugh together. The simple act of reading together has a positive impact on a baby's brain development. From birth, babies are natural learners. Their curious minds absorb more between the ages of two months and four years than at any other time in their lives.
How often should I read to my baby?
Reading books each day helps your child learn that learning from books is as routine as other daily family activities like feeding, sleeping and having a bath. It takes only 15 minutes most days to establish a pattern.
Just fifteen minutes every day
Helps your baby learn the way
To read the pictures, point and tell,
And in time, chant the words as well.
So grab a book and baby too.
Enjoy, enjoy the two of you!
- Source: Born to Read NB
Are books chosen for Born to Read available in different languages?
Yes, books are available in English, French and Mi'kmaq. Please ask for your language of choice during your Public Health Nursing visit.
How is the program supported?
Books for the Little Ones Read program are donated to Public Health Nursing by IODE Prince Edward Island and the Rotary Club of Charlottetown. Government partners include Public Health Nursing and Provincial Library Service.
For more information, contact:
Public Health Nursing Manager
Provincial Library Service - Youth Services Librarian