Meghan Markle's Heartwarming Storytime at LA Hospital Charms Children
The Duchess of Sussex has once again demonstrated her passion for connecting with children through storytelling, a familiar activity for her since authoring a children's book. On March 21, the 42-year-old Duchess visited the Children's Hospital Los Angeles to lead a Literally Healing session, immersing young patients in the world of beloved stories.
During the session, children were delighted as Meghan transformed into various characters while reading popular books such as Rosie the Riveter, Pete the Cat, and I Saw a Cat. She also engaged the children in STEAM activities related to each story, enhancing their learning experience.
Impact and Implications
From all reports by those present, the kids enjoyed it with the added fillip of being read to by a 'real princess'. She isn't and doesn't claim to be, but kids are not great on nuances.
As a trained actor, she reads well and entertainingly. During her visit, part of the Literally Healing program, her work was later publicized by the program. Literally Healing is an innovative reading program that gifts families at CHLA more than 65,000 books annually and provides a unique opportunity to promote literacy.
Therapeutic Benefits of Storytime
The visit resonated with the young patients, not just due to a celebrity presence, but because storytelling has proven therapeutic benefits. Reading is a highly engaging activity that can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. For children in a hospital setting, where they may feel isolated and frightened, storytime can provide a sense of normalcy and enjoyment.
Furthermore, engagement in storytelling can help improve children's language and literacy skills, as well as their emotional well-being. The immersive nature of these sessions often includes discussions and interactive activities that encourage critical thinking and creativity. This, coupled with the nurturing and supportive environment provided by the hospital staff and volunteers, can make a significant difference in a child's hospital experience.
Visibility and Publicity
While the immediate effect of Meghan's visit was heart-warming, the long-term impact lies in the publicity brought by this event. The visibility of the Literally Healing program has been enhanced, potentially leading to increased donations, volunteers, and book donations. This increased attention could expand the reach of the program, providing more families with the resources they need to promote literacy and support their children's continued education and development.
Conclusion
I'm sure most of them enjoyed it. The impact of Meghan Markle's visit to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles extends beyond the immediate joy and entertainment her reading brought to the children. It highlights the importance of storytelling in a hospital setting and showcases the innovative and effective ways in which programs like Literally Healing can support child patients.