Read Aloud Delaware introduced Language Environment Analysis in August 2020 to its array of services. LENA Start is a program that targets children from birth to three years old. It uses wearable technology to improve the language environment between caregiver and child. This program is designed to help children read better at third grade.
Family members are shown simple ways to tell their child a story throughout the course of ten week. For example, families are encouraged during the food session to speak out to their child. Children are exposed to many words and concepts that are beyond their understanding now, but they will be able to understand them later in their brains.
We are on track to reach more than 100 families by the end of the year thanks to our partnerships with Delaware Adolescent Program Incorporated and Parents as Teachers, United Way of Delaware and other youth-focused non-profits.
The diverse group feedback we received from families who participated in the program included comments such as “LENA Start really helped us learn how to teach our children through everyday situations.” It has made it easier for me to communicate with my child and integrate my child into my daily routine.
LENA Start is for both new parents and veterans. One family member stated, “I gained confidence as a new parent knowing that I am maximising these three crucial years in my child’s language development and best preparing for the school years ahead.” Another stated, “This program is valuable for all types of parents, and they teach ways that learning/reading through play can be reincorporated, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
A component of the program is to build social capital and share ideas among families. One family said, It was great that you could share ideas and methods of engaging your child. Another family stated, “Not only have we seen our child flourish since he participated in LENA Start but we have also personally benefited by the community of other parents who are part of the program.”
Engaging with a child is more important than speaking to them in general. It is also beneficial for brain development. Conversational turns, which are conversations that involve open-ended questions and invite responses from the child, is also important. We now have a daily routine that we read together.
Reading is an important skill that is stressed throughout the course. Parents receive free books every week. One family commented, “My child really thrived with his language development and we developed better communication between ourselves.” A wonderful surprise was also my son’s newfound love for reading, to the point where he will read several books at a time.
As a parent, I find it easy to incorporate the information I have learned from the program each day. I read aloud to my baby as much as I can, sat down with him and talked about finance and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I also used my hands to clap to music and sing to him.
We are grateful for the support provided by LENA Start by our funding partners, the Delaware Community Foundation and the Laffey-McHugh Foundation. If you are interested in learning more about LENA Start, or enrolling, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].