On January 27th, 2002, the Read to Me! Program was launched in Nova Scotia. At the IWK Health Centre a tiny newborn baby, Fatimah and her parents waited in the wings of an auditorium packed with over 500 cheering guests. Her parents, Marriam and Nauman Aslam carried her to the stage where children’s author, Sheree Fitch presented Fatimah with the very first Read to Me! Bag. That was seven years ago and our very first Read to Me! baby is now in grade one and reading on her own. In November, Carol McDougall had the pleasure of visiting the Aslam family and asked them to share their experiences about the Read to Me! Program.

Carol: Marriam and Nauman, when we met you in 2002 just after Fatimah was born, were you surprised that we were encouraging you to read and sing to her so early?

Marriam: I think so, yes. I did plan to read to Fatimah but probably wouldn’t have started that early. I would probably have waited until she was two or three years old, when I thought that she would be able to understand.

Nauman: We were surprised when you explained the research that showed that babies begin to learn at a very young age and that reading helps to stimulate brain development. We didn’t know that before.

Carol: Did you begin to use the materials in the bag right away? How did you use them?

Marriam: I started using the two books, Peek-a-boo and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star right away. I used them so much that the corners were chewed and the flaps had to be taped!

Carol: That’s great! We love to hear that the books are well used and well loved.

Marriam: I also learned from Read to Me! to keep the books where she could reach them. I probably wouldn’t have done that if I had not received that tip from Read to Me! We put the books close to her toys on the lowest shelf in the bookcase.

Carol: What times during the day did you read to Fatimah?

Nauman: We often read to her when she was eating. I remember if I wanted her to eat something I would say a rhyme and she would respond to it and it helped the meal go smoothly.

Marriam: I also used to do baby massage with her in the morning and before she went to sleep and I used to sing songs to her then.

Carol: Did you develop a bedtime reading routine with Fatimah?

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