Closing the word gap for toddlers

Encouraging sudents to read

ORLANDO, Fla. – Of course, all of us want our kids to do well in school. But some of them may be getting off to a slow start because of something called the ‘word gap.’ We explain what that gap is and how you can avoid it.

Meagan Meneses, a School Director for Kindercare Learning Centers said, “It’s a problem because later on in life, the children are not as successful in their educational careers.”

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Later on in life means third grade. So the more words they hear before that, the better readers they become later, which gives them a boost academically. In fact, Stanford researchers have found that even by the age of three, the word gap for children from lower income families can be as wide as 30 million words.

“I started to learn through the teachers about the concept of word gap and how important it is to talk to your child, explain things to your kids.” Natasha Oliver stated.

Natasha and Jarrell’s son Kalell is only two and he’s already talking up a storm. 

Oliver said, “We sing to him, we do a lot of reading. So we like to take the books and we like to point out the pictures. We allow him to turn the pages so it’s as if he’s reading the story to us.”

“Also, you can just tell them what you’re doing all the time.  We’re riding home, look there’s a bird in the sky, what color is the bird? Just those kinds of examples.” Meneses explained.

And make sure you don’t hide behind today’s technologies.

“I think in the world of technology, with millennials it’s very important to still be hands on as a family and to keep communication key.” Oliver stated.

For more ideas on how to close the word gap in your family, search online for Kindercare word gap tips.  

Also, click here for information about free local library programs that promote reading.


About the Author:

Anchor on The Morning Show team and reporter specializing on health issues.