For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
June 20, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at Reach Out and Read, Boston
As delivered.
Thank you, Dr. Zuckerman, and thanks very much for this kind
recognition. By supporting Reach Out and Read, I am really just doing
what I love most: helping people experience the joy and the benefits
of reading with children.
An American scholar (Mortimer Adler) said, "Reading is a basic tool
in the living of good life."
Every child in America should have a chance to succeed in school,
and in life. And success begins with reading. All children should start
school with the advantage that comes from fun, early language and
reading activities with parents and caring adults.
Simply put: Children who start school ready to read start school
ready to learn. Children who are read to learn two things: First, that
reading is important, and second, that they are important.
If we talk to and listen to children; read with them, and surround
them with books, -- then we can help them establish the skills,
knowledge, and confidence that will help prepare them for life.
Moms, dads, grandparents - all those who care for a young child at
some point during the day -- need to know how important it is to read
to their babies and children.
Reach Out and Read delivers that message. Doctors are especially
qualified to help parents understand how important it is to read to
their babies.
Reach Out and Read is a success because parents trust and respect
their pediatricians. It is a success because doctors have a chance to
identify reading problems early, when they are easier to remedy. Reach
Out and Read is also a success because of all of you.
Thank you for supporting Reach Out and Read and the unique form of
preventive medicine it offers. I believe in this program, and I'm glad
that you do, too.
Thank you.
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