How to build a brain in 30,000,000 words or MORE!

Literacy is closely linked to words spoken by parents with their children.  Research proves how important words are for young children across the globe.  In the past week,  I have had several conversations with parents who are very concerned about how to motivate their teenagers. 

I wonder if there parallels or LENA data that extends to the value of ongoing quality conversations beyond early brain development and into junior and senior high school.  As the use of texting between parents and teens increases,  what is happening to the frequency and duration of family conversations?   I am going to set aside some time today to talk to our teenager. 

If you experience any technical difficulties with this video or would like to make an accessibility-related request, please send a message to digicomm@uchicago.edu. The Thirty Million Words® Initiative is an innovative parent-directed program designed to harness the power of parent language to build a child's brain and impact his or her future.