READING AND TALKING TO CHILDREN EARLY
THE WHO, WHAT, AND WHY OF OUR MISSION
WHO-CHILDREN AGE 0-3!
Babies learn language by hearing it spoken. Being exposed to conversation, reading aloud, and singing are all beneficial. Lifelong social relationships, reading ability, and math comprehension depend on early language development.
WHAT-RESOURCES!
We provide books meant for little hands- sturdy board books. WordUp helps families build collections of quality books which we obtain at reduced prices. Because WordUp is dedicated to helping families nourish their child’s language development, we work to get the message out through our newsletters, informational magnets, and other creative ways.
Why-A Better Future!
Data shows 80% of a child’s brain development happens before age 3! To that end the American Academy of Pediatrics urges community leaders to ‘ensure that books are available to all families’. Be a leader, donate today!
What Kind of books
Board books are sturdy cardboard books meant for little children. We purchase new books with financial donations and also accept gently used books for placement in micro-pantries.
Quality guides our selections. We look for children's books that have rhyme, humor, word play, and exposure to new vocabulary. Diversity in illustrations is a priority – all children should see faces that look like themselves.
Stories
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…
"It takes a village to raise a child," is an African proverb. For children to flourish, they require community support. WordUp joins with local organizations and clinics to encourage a healthy, happy start in life. Many groups distribute our books and informational materials to families.
OUR VILLAGE
MANY LANGUAGES
Books do more than tell stories-they connect generations, preserve language, and create shared moments. A Springfield family working with Parents As Teachers recently received Arabic board books from WordUp. "As we read, we name what we see in Arabic and English," shared the mother. Her son now reaches for the books and engages with the pictures. We love providing books in a family's native language to promote early literacy skills and ease their transition into a new culture.
