Dr. Shelley Lee’s Practice Keeps the Books Coming!

With over 60 Orange County practices participating in Reach Out and Read, enthusiasm for early literacy and children’s books is alive and well. Emma Course, AAP-OC Chapter Reach Out and Read Coordinator reached out to Dr. Shelley Lee at Sunshine Kids Pediatrics to find out how she has established Reach Out and Reach as a permanent and sustainable component of her busy practice.

Emma:  Your clinic has participated in the Reach Out and Read program since 2010.  Tell us about the impact you’ve witnessed with your patients when you give them a book during their well-child exam.

Dr. Lee:  With the children it is usually excitement.  This is shown by the way they open it and just devour the color or words. Many times, they are amazed because they get to “keep it” for their very own.

Emma:  How do the parents react after hearing from you about the importance of reading, and how they can be their child’s first teacher? How do they react when their kids receive their book?

Dr. Lee:  I stress that the parents need to be an example for the kids – especially with reading.  The families can read together, or each have their own book – as long as they’re reading.   Parents can see the excitement on their kids face when a new book is handed to them.  Many of our patients are bilingual and the opportunity to give books that make it easier for parent to read with the child makes it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Emma:  How do you encourage busy parents to engage in reading aloud with their kids, despite a busy family life?

Dr. Lee:  I use the honest approach of understanding the demands in their lives and stress establishing a routine that includes reading.  Even if that includes books on tape in the car, anything can engage the love of the written word.  Cookbooks are also a way of incorporating reading.

Emma:  Your practice is extremely unique, in that you have managed to keep up your supply of new books to give away, even during times with funding challenges.  What did you do to invest to become a self-supporting Reach Out and Read practice?

Dr. Lee:  I have had the ability to order books through my own children’s school book sales, and I also take advantage of the sales at the Scholastic warehouse, which is near to my office.  My passion for this outreach stems from two main reasons:

1. Studies show what a tremendous impact reading has on the brain in early development.
2. This is a more personal reason.  I received such wonderful support from my classmate’s mothers who read to me when I first came to the U.S.  They would read with me one hour a week until I was caught up to my peers.  I feel very strongly about this as a way to give back.

Emma:  Where do you shop for books? Do you have any tips for other practices?

Dr. Lee:  Well, the Scholastic sales are tremendous, and I have bought books for a dollar or less. We also receive gently used books from staff and families.  We also encourage readers beyond the ROR ages of 6 months – 5 years, so we have books for all ages.  This way, siblings can get a book too.  This is the best modeling situation for the younger kids to see their older siblings enjoying reading.