Words Build Worlds
Early literacy is the foundation for a child’s success in school and life. It starts with language—hearing words, building vocabulary and learning to communicate. But here’s the key—children aren’t born knowing how to read. They need nurturing experiences and interactions to develop these skills, and it all begins from day one.
Talk. Read. Succeed.
A child’s brain is growing at an incredible pace from birth. In fact, babies listen in utero, and once they’re born, they communicate through eye contact, facial expressions, crying, smiles and touch. Every time you talk, read or sing to them, you’re helping build the connections they’ll need to become a confident reader and lifelong learner.
Studies show that kids who regularly hear words and conversations from caring adults:
- Build larger vocabularies
- Become stronger readers
- Perform better in school
Smart Talk: Simple Steps to Build Eary Literacy
Smart Talk is having quality, back-and-forth conversations with your baby or toddler. You don’t need special skills or tools to boost a child’s learning. All it takes is quality, back-and-forth interactions—anywhere, anytime. Here’s how to get started:
- Talk about your day. Narrate simple activities like feeding, diaper changes or playtime.
- Ask open-ended questions. Even if your child can’t respond, asking “Why?” or “What’s next?” encourages curiosity.
- Listen and respond. Repeat sounds, words or babbles to create meaningful connections.
- Read together. Books are powerful tools for introducing new words and ideas.
Read On Arizona: A Statewide Commitment
First Things First is proud to be a founding partner of Read On Arizona, a public-private collaboration focused on improving literacy for Arizona’s children from birth to age 8. Together, we’re building a brighter future for every child, one word at a time.
