I PROMISE TO:

Talk it up. Take turns.
Tune in.

Have the types of conversations that make you feel seen and heard.

I PROMISE TO:
S-t-r-e-t-c-h every chance to talk more.  

Children’s reading ability and confidence improve when grown-ups carry on conversations with them, starting at infancy.

Family Fun:

  • Take turns naming things that come in pairs. Who can name the most?

  • Would you rather eat fish ice cream or chicken cookies? Now it’s your turn to ask the questions.

  • Say and spell all the street names leading to our home. Practice memorizing our address. Then when we get home, try drawing a map of our journey.

  • Play Twenty Questions to guess a character in your favorite book or movie.

  • Play I Spy: Pick an object. Make sure everyone can see. Give hints after every round of guesses. Whoever guesses right gets to be the spy.

More Ideas

  • Learn about the TALK IT UP program on this page. Post similar signs around the house for fun. Make up conversation-starters together.

  • Even the youngest babies can join a conversation by babbling back-and-forth. For help with your baby and pregnancy, Philly families can request support professionals to come to your home and offer guidance during one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, times of your life.

  • Check out these fun videos on how families are talking it up, taking turns and tuning in.

I PROMISE TO:
Talk with you, not at you.

Children’s reading ability and confidence improve when grown-ups have back-and-forth exchanges with them.

Family Fun:

  • Make sure we see how we are doing daily.

  • Talk about books, movies, songs, and meals you like.

  • Keep talking about what you want to be, and create a plan to get you there.

More Ideas

  • Sign up for Ready4K free app for daily tips.

  • Watch serve-and-return videos from the Harvard Center for the Developing Child. 

  • Play games in the car or on the move, count how many cars you can find of each color in the rainbow. 

I PROMISE TO:
Hear the power of your voice.

Children’s reading ability and confidence improve when grown-ups have high expectations of them and their culture.

Family Fun:

  • Follow a guided tour of your room or your favorite place. 

  • Take turns sharing our favorite family memories.  

  • Listen to your hopes and plans for the school year. 

  • Let’s make a diary of new, favorite and special words.

More Ideas