Wayne Pediatrics is pleased to present Virtual Bedtime Stories: Children Reading to Children in recognition of March Reading Month. The initiative supports the goal of many parents in providing a calming environment to help children wind down before bedtime.

Virtual Bedtime Stories: Children Reading to Children kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, starting March 17, through June 23.

Books will be read by children affiliated with Wayne Pediatrics and students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District as part of a new collaborative. DPSCD students enrolled in Teaching Career Academies at Academy of the Americas and Western High School will read many of the books in English, Arabic and Spanish

Virtual Bedtime Stories: Children Reading to Children is part of Wayne Pediatrics’ first-ever participation in Reach Out and Read, in which general pediatrics and specialty patients and their siblings will be given free books as part of wellness checks. Both initiatives seek to elevate the importance of reading, support DPSCD students and their academic goals, strengthen literacy outreach to English as a Second Language and bi-lingual children throughout metropolitan Detroit, and support families.

“Our mission is to support healthy bodies and minds of our patients while engaging within the community we serve,” said Herman Gray, M.D., M.B.A., chair of the Wayne State University Department of Pediatrics. “This effort, spearheaded by one of our physicians, Dr. Eric McGrath, is an example of our team’s commitment to our mission, and we are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with DPSCD toward expanding literacy and supporting the educational goals of students. We look forward to similar efforts to connect with the community in meaningful ways beyond our medical capabilities.”

Students participating in Virtual Bedtime Stories will earn volunteer credit and receive a certificate of participation. Book selections will be guided by DPSCD educators to offer a culturally rich reading list.

To participate in Wayne Pediatrics’ free Virtual Bedtime Stories: Children Reading to Children, parents may visit waynepedatrics.org for a schedule and Zoom link. The information will also be promoted on Wayne Pediatrics and DPSCD social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For an appointment with a Wayne Pediatrics pediatric expert, call 313-448-9606.