This research builds on and backs up earlier studies into exposure to words and language from an early age, such as a study in 1995 by researchers Betty Hart and Todd Risley. Their study found that, in the first three years of life, some children heard thirty million more words than others, which translated into higher literacy skills and bigger vocabularies, which also supports initiatives like Dana Suskind’s Thirty Million Words.
So – if you have the means, hop down to your favourite book store and stock up your house with your favourite stories. Make good use of your local library too – your librarians should know lots of great titles to suggest. Snuggle down with your babe and get into some stories – using your best funny voices and pointing out all the interesting things along the way. Just don’t let the library books find their way into baby’s mouth…
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
