Child Life and Developmental Services - The Myra Friedman Early Language Program

The Myra Friedman Early Language Program is a literacy project that encourages young children to incorporate elements of language into their daily play. The family of Myra Friedman, who was a dedicated Reach Out and Read volunteer, established the fund to recognize Myra's love of reading and children.

The defining feature of the Myra Friedman Program is the creation of a playroom to serve children between the ages of 3 and 10. The playroom gives child development specialists the opportunity to monitor children's speech in a non-threatening environment. Children are taught to incorporate writing and stories as they enjoy the room's multiple play areas. Within the housekeeping corner, for example, children can create shopping lists or take telephone messages, while in the doctor's corner activities might include writing out prescriptions and creating medical charts.

In addition, all artwork that children create within the playroom is treated as a means of language development as playroom staff work with children to create stories associated with their paintings or drawings. The Child Life specialists who provide support for the playroom are attempting to convey to children that writing and language should not be associated with school and homework exclusively, but are also essential components of daily life.

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