Talk More Tips: Teaching Texts


  • October 10, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
iPhone lying on a table
A California program uses text messages to prompt parents with tips, strategies to talk more with their young children.

TMW Tips: Talk numbers


  • October 7, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Child playing with a puzzle
Talking about shapes, numbers and patterns is important. It helps build number sense, basic math and comparison concepts.

TMW Tip: The most important years of learning


  • October 6, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Dr. Dana Suskind speaking at an auditorium
The science is indisputable. The essential years for developing the human brain are from birth through 3. Helping parents with their role in that is key.

TMW Tip: Share books while you read together


  • October 5, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Variety of books lying on a table
Parents had to learn that it was OK for their children to fidget while reading. What’s important is keeping the child engaged — because engaged kids learn better.

TMW Tip: Ask questions


  • October 4, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Preschool teacher playing with students
Yes-no questions are only good for one-word answers. How and why questions force your child to start building problem-solving skills.

TMW Tip: Talk all the time


  • October 3, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Man feeding a baby
When your baby makes a sound, it’s her way of trying to talk to you. Answer back, even if you feel silly doing it. Every word you say is building her brain.

TMW Tip: Praise the effort


  • September 30, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Child playing with a number puzzle
Research shows that children who are praised for their effort are less likely to give up when faced with a challenge.

TMW Tip: Build on 'baby talk'


  • September 29, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Baby looking at the camera
Make the word fragments your baby starts to say into full sentences to help her learn more words.

TMW Tip: Use word chains to boost brain power


  • September 28, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Preschool teacher playing with students
Talk to your baby about what you're doing all the time. Adding more words to describe what you're doing is like adding links in a chain, one that will help your child's brain build strong connections later on.

TMW Tip: Talk about what you do


  • September 27, 2016
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   early-learning,TMW-Tips
Four children at a table playing with building blocks
Talk about what you are doing when your baby is there. When you change a diaper, when you wash the dishes, when you do anything, talk about it to your child.