Reach Out and Read event teaches children about storm prep and Clifford the Big Red Dog

MOBILE, Ala. – The shrieks and squeals could be heard halfway down the hall on Thursday. That's when nearly 30 children from schools in Mobile and Prichard gathered at the Mobile County Health Department to hear a story about Clifford the Big Red Dog and a swirling, whirling storm.

The students also got a lesson in how to prepare for emergencies as WPMI anchor Pat Greenwood led them through the book “Clifford and the Big Storm.”

Students from the Southwest Regional School for the Deaf and Blind and Dixon Total Touch Child Care Center also were entertained by an adult-size version of Clifford as he settled in with them on a colorful patchwork of foam squares. Graphic artist James Currie played the role of Clifford for the hour-long event.

Afterward, students received hefty white lunch bags packed with healthy snacks including apples, bananas, raisins and bottles of water, along with details about storm preparation.

“We want parents and caregivers to know that reading to children is vital,” said Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department. “That’s why our pediatric clinics take part in the Reach Out and Read initiative.”

Throughout the year, children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years seen at MCHD pediatric clinics receive new books during regular checkups as part of the Reach Out and Read-Alabama initiative. This year, copies of the book will be distributed by pediatric healthcare providers statewide who will also be talking to parents about improving resiliency and preparedness in their families, with their children and in their communities.

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based, national nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud. The model includes providing a new, age-appropriate book for each child to take home from every checkup from 6 months through 5 years of age.

Along with the free book for every child, health providers also offer guidance to parents about the importance of reading out loud with their children daily. Research shows that families served by Reach Out and Read do read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge.

"I love you Clifford," a little girl said as she caught sight of the large red canine Thursday morning. Clifford offered high fives and hugs, allowing the kindergarten students to pet his fur, tug his ears and snuggle close. Another little boy shook his head, seemingly surprised by the big dog. "I want to see his house."