by Michelle Horst
TAP-TAM continues to grow in the state of Kansas and continues to impact literacy in the state. Since 2004 TAP-TAM sites have given over 1,600,000 books to Kansas kids. In 2022 TAP-TAM physicians and medical providers collectively gave over 180,000 books to kids in 70 counties. Currently, more than 815 physicians and medical providers participate in TAP-TAM at 160 sites in Kansas. Ten new sites were added in 2022.
TAP-TAM sites provide education to caregivers on the importance of daily reading to their children. The million-word study provides a clear picture of what that looks like in the life of a child before they enter Kindergarten. The million-word gap study (Logan et al 2019) indicates, “Parents who read 1 picture book with their children every day provide their children with exposure to an estimated 78,000 words each a year. Cumulatively, over the 5 years before kindergarten entry, we estimate that children from literacy-rich homes hear a cumulative 1.4 million more words during storybook reading than children who are never read to.” * When Children are Not Read to at Home: The Million Word Gap, Jessica A. R. Logan, PhD,* Laura M. Justice, PhD,* Melike Yumu ̧s, PhD,† Leydi Johana Chaparro-Moreno*
Kansas Pediatric Foundation awarded two grants this spring. Dr. Nandhini Sehar will be working to promote pediatric health in the Afghan Refugee population in Finney County. Dr. Gretchen Homan will be working with the pediatric population at KU Wichita Pediatrics clinic to promote creativity and self-confidence through art. KPF is excited to see the impact these two grants will make in Kansas child health.
