Early literacy plays a vital role in children’s development and overall health, and Reach Out and Read Colorado is helping families build strong reading habits from the very beginning. Through partnerships with pediatric clinics across the state, the nonprofit provides young children with developmentally appropriate books during routine well-child visits while encouraging families to make reading part of their daily routines.

In the video above, pediatrician Dr. Kristina Malik explains what the program might look like in each practice. During well-child visits, doctors give children ages 0–5 a new book and use it as a tool to observe developmental milestones such as language skills, motor skills, and social interaction. The visits also provide an opportunity to talk with parents about the importance of reading together and how even a few minutes a day can support healthy brain development and strengthen parent-child bonds.

Dr. Malik highlights the “five-minute bonding routine,” which encourages parents to spend just a few minutes each day reading with their child, without screens and without distraction. This shared time helps reduce stress, provides comfort, and supports social-emotional growth through meaningful interaction.

Families are encouraged to remember that reading together doesn’t have to be complicated. Parents can talk about pictures, ask children questions, or even create their own stories. The goal is simple: meaningful connection through books and shared time together.

To learn more about Reach Out and Read Colorado and ways you can get involved, visit our Get Involved page.