We are also fortunate to have a piece from the inspirational Sheree Fitch (pages 575–576) to remind us of the joy of reading and its crucial role in ‘thrival’.įor physicians, simply discussing a problem is never quite enough.
Dufresne and Masny (pages 577–580) tackle the complex issue of multiple literacies, obviously very relevant in our multicultural and multilinguistic country.
She offers a conceptual framework that may surprise some readers, as well as information about the important areas of assessment and intervention. The important area of dyslexia, which affects 5% to 10% of children, is reviewed by Linda Siegel (pages 581–587). Articles by Fraser Mustard (pages 571–572) and by Susan Rvachew and Robert Savage (pages 589–593) look at the neurobiology of reading, and the organic, social and environmental elements that affect reading development. In this special issue of Paediatrics & Child Health, a commentary by Don Jamieson (pages 573–574) sets the stage by exploring the social, educational, economic and health implications of literacy. This is a critical health issue, and we need to understand it better. Forty-two per cent of Canadians over 16 years of age lack the reading proficiency required for full participation in our society.
Unfortunately, the existence of quality children’s literature is not enough to ensure the development of literacy in Canada. Generations of children have been lured into an appreciation of books and reading by works like The Cat in the Hat ( 2) at the same time that their brains were being exposed to the cadence and rhyme that we now understand is so important for the development of literacy. He did this by creating literature that was simultaneously wacky, inviting and subliminally educational. Dr Seuss, also known as Theodor Seuss Geisel, was not a paediatrician, but he has had enormous impact on the health of millions of children. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” That was, of course, Dr Seuss in his wonderful book I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! ( 1). It was a doctor who once said “The more that you read, the more things you will know.
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