Singing River Pediatric celebrates ‘Read Across America’ Day

Do you like green eggs and ham? The Pediatric Office of Dr. Harper celebrated ‘Read Across America Day’ with her patients while honoring the late Dr. Seuss.

Dr. Tamara Harper, a pediatrician at Singing River Gulfport, read the childhood novel ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ to her patients in honor of ‘Read Across America Day.’

She dressed up as Dr. Seuss character Cat in the Hat to capture the kids’ attention and remind them how much fun they can have while reading. “It was a great idea. Our office was already decorated with this theme of Dr. Seuss.”

The pediatric office gives free books to patients. “Combining our efforts with Reach out and Read where we would be able to give a book with supplies. We would give a book with each well visit.”

It’s a tradition at this office in an effort to encourage at home reading by giving a book to each patient.

Today isn’t much different from any other day in Dr. Harper’s office. She has been giving free books to patients for the last 12 years.

Dr. Harper has had some patients for over a decade who now anticipate which book they get to take home. “I’ve got some children now that are like 12 that we started this program with 12 years ago. They’re asking “Am I still getting a book?” Is Dr. Harper going to sign the book for me today.”

Reading to a child out loud for 20 minutes a day can also have a great impact on their development milestones for years ahead.

Dr. Harper encourages parents to read out loud to their children starting at birth. Eighty-percent of a child’s brain is developed between the ages of zero and three.