On Friday, March 13, at THE PLAYERS Championship, Nemours Children’s Health hosted “Tee Off to Reading” in the Kids Zone. This event was an all-day celebration of literacy, early childhood development and kindergarten readiness.
The Kids Zone featured interactive attractions like a life-size Operation game, a coloring wall and a photo booth.
The day kicked off with Nemours Children’s Health NFL Brand Ambassador and Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas, Jr. (BTJ) participating in an interactive reading of a “Chicka Chicka ABC.” The children were encouraged to engage in physical activity while the story was read by R. Lawrence Moss, M.D., president and CEO of Nemours Children's Health. Jaguars’ mascot Jaxson de Ville joined in on the fun with the kids.
While reading the story, Moss asked the kids to call out the rhyming words and repeat the letters in the alphabet.
“Nemours is in the business of creating health, not just treating disease,” he said. “Of course, we help kids when they’re sick. We’re always going to be there for that, but the vast majority of kids don’t need that. They need all the other things it takes to grow up healthy, and education and literacy are at the top of that list.”
Students of all ages experienced the fun of learning through interactive storytelling, movement and exploration. Parents and friends got to experience early learning, physical activity and social-emotional engagement work together to support child development.
After the story concluded, BTJ signed autographs and took selfies with fans.
Throughout the day, additional special guests read to families in the Kids Zone, in recognition of the significant impact literacy has on both kindergarten readiness and lifelong health.
Nemours is committed to helping every part of a child’s health and looks beyond medical care to the social, emotional and environmental factors that shape a child’s well-being.
