Books for Babes... Here is what we do and why we do what we do!
What we do:
Reading aloud to a child can make a world of difference in the life of that child. That is why Books for Babes has set out to provide every baby with its first book. We partner with hospitals to provide books to babies. Currently we are providing books to the moms and babies in the maternity ward at University Hospital as well as the NICU at Norton Women's and Kosair Children's Hospital on Dutchman's Lane.
Why we do it:
First, babies love books! It's true. They love to hear your voice, they love to cuddle in your lap, they love the attention. They love everything about being read to so we should try to make it a part of our daily routine. It is a great way to bond with baby. Plus all the attention and cuddles from reading aloud are good for mom too!
Second, reading to your baby will help develop language skills and pre-reading skills (like how to turn a page and hold a book). Our children often come to kindergarten not ready to learn to read. Let's use books to start conversations with our kids and let them hear words and language they may not get otherwise.
Lastly, reading aloud creates a love of reading. When children hear their parent's voice reading aloud to them it is a comforting feeling. They associate it with happiness and love. Therefore as they become readers themselves they will find happiness in reading, just like they did when they were read aloud to.
The Future:
We do
not stop want to stop at giving books to hospitals. We want to work with daycares also. We want to not just give the metaphorical fish but teach people how to fish. We aim to one day provide classes
to parents and daycare workers to show them how to read aloud to their baby and teach them that it
is just as important as reading to your school age child. These two aspects (the books and the classes) can help parents to read
aloud, creating a special bond between parent, child and book.
How you can help:
We need books! Last year we were able to give out over 350 books and we want to beat that this year. We take new or gently used board books. If you don't have the time to go shop for board books, make a donation and we can shop for you!
Consider hosting a book drive. If you work for a school who needs a service project or know a high schooler who needs a service project, tell them about us! We would love to have a school sponsor a book drive!
Spread the word. Please tell your friends and family about what we are doing here at Books for Babes. The more people that know the more moms and babies we can help!
Thanks and Happy Reading!
