The more parents and caregivers talk and listen to young children, the easier it is for them to learn to read and write when they start kindergarten. This is because simple activities each day, such as singing and playing, help kids develop the cognitive and language skills they need to do well in school and beyond. Unfortunately, not all parents have time to develop learning activities for their little ones. This creates a school readiness gap that impacts children from under-resourced families disproportionately. A free text messaging service provided by the Fond du Lac Public Library aims to change this, helping children learn through simple, everyday interactions. The service, called TALK: Text and Learn for Kindergarten, sends two text messages each week suggesting activities that parents and caregivers can easily incorporate into daily routines with their children. The service also notifies parents of free activities and services at the library. Parents and caregivers of children ages 5 and under can sign up by either texting TALK to 75547 or registering online by visiting fdlpl.org. It is available in both English and Spanish. “TALK is great for all parents, but it’s really designed to reach parents who may not have a lot of free time or resources,” said Sarah Davis, Youth Services coordinator for the Fond du Lac Public Library. “We’re excited to provide parents ideas for quick and easy things they can do to help their children be ready for school.” TALK is derived from the research-based program Every Child Ready to Read, which promotes five daily practices to build essential pre-reading skills: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Each message begins with one of the five practices and details an activity parents can use to help their child develop early literacy skills. But content goes beyond literacy and helps parents build other important skills such as pre-math and social emotional skills. While the service is available and valuable to every family, the goal is to reach parents who may not otherwise have the time or the ability to attend library programs.
