When we think of literacy, books are often the first thing that comes to mind. But family literacy is much more than just reading – it’s about creating meaningful conversations and interactions that help build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Imagine a parent chatting with their baby while preparing breakfast: “We’re cracking eggs! Look at the yellow yolk – it’s so bright!” These seemingly simple moments aren’t just acts of love; they’re critical building blocks of early brain development.
At Carya, we understand the profound impact of these everyday moments. That’s why we’ve partnered with YW Calgary to offer the innovative LENA Start program, which empowers parents to enhance their child’s language development and unlock their potential through early literacy.
Why Early Literacy Matters
The first few years of a child’s life are a time of rapid brain growth. In fact, by the age of three, a child’s brain is already 80% developed. During this critical period, language exposure plays a pivotal role.
From narrating your daily routine to engaging in back-and-forth conversations (often called “serve-and-return” interactions), these exchanges stimulate neural pathways, fostering both learning and bonding.[i]
Children who experience rich language environments from an early age are more likely to:
- Perform better academically.
- Develop stronger social-emotional skills.
- Build resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Every word you share with your child contributes to their growth and strengthens the parent-child bond.
Talking is Teaching: How Everyday Moments Make a Difference
Talking to your child – whether you’re singing a lullaby, describing the steps of a recipe, or pointing out colours during a walk – is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to support their development. Research suggests that babies need to hear around 21,000 adult words daily[ii] for optimal development. These words and conversations help shape vocabulary, comprehension, and even emotional regulation, laying a foundation for lifelong success.
“It’s not always easy to know if you’re doing the right thing for your baby,” shared one family. “That’s where LENA Start can come in to support. This program eased a lot of my anxieties and concerns as we’ve been raising our child.” – Carya Participant, LENA Start
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Everyday routines such as brushing teeth, getting dressed, or even sorting laundry offer rich opportunities for meaningful conversations. When you narrate your actions or respond to your child’s babbling, you’re teaching them about the world; one word at a time.
LENA Start: Building Brains Through Early Talk
Two years ago, YW Calgary recognized the need to expand their LENA Start program to reach more families. As the only Canadian agency running this U.S.-developed initiative, they collaborated with several community partners, including Carya, to bring the program to Calgary’s Northwest. Together, these partnerships have helped families turn simple moments into opportunities for growth.
What Is LENA Start?
LENA Start is an evidence-based program designed to help parents create rich language environments for their children. The program focuses on “serve-and-return” interactions, which are essential for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
“The LENA Start program helps parents gain an understanding of the importance of early language on their child’s development,” explains Amber Baker, one of Carya’s Family and Community Facilitators. “LENA provides parents with useful tips to increase conversational turns with their children.”
At the core of LENA Start is its groundbreaking “talk pedometer” technology. This wearable device tracks the number of words and conversational turns a child experiences in a day. While the device doesn’t record conversations, it provides data to help parents reflect on their interactions and identify opportunities to enhance them.
Here’s how it works: Parents receive the device, which their child wears one day a week, and later return it to be plugged in for data analysis. The personalized reports provide a unique opportunity for parents to reflect and ask questions like, “What moments encouraged more interaction?” or “How can I add more opportunities for conversation?” The goal isn’t competition, but awareness, understanding what moments spark the most conversation and how to create more opportunities for connection.
Over the course of 10 weekly sessions, parents receive personalized feedback, participate in discussions, and learn research-based strategies to turn everyday activities into engaging learning opportunities.
Building Connection, Reducing Isolation
While LENA Start is designed to support children’s development, it also creates a sense of community among parents. Caregivers and parents share experiences, celebrate milestones, and form lasting friendships in a supportive space. These relationships become natural support networks, reducing feelings of isolation and reinforcing the idea that we’re all in this together.
By focusing on the small, meaningful moments that make up everyday life, LENA Start strengthens language skills while deepening the bonds between parents and children.
Start the Conversation
Every word you share with your child is an opportunity to shape their future. Whether it’s through the LENA Start program or simply embracing the power of everyday conversations at home, you already have the tools to unlock your child’s potential.
It’s easier than you think to get started. Narrate your morning routine: “We’re putting on your shoes, one foot, then the other!” Sing a playful song during bath time or ask your toddler what they see outside the window. These small, intentional moments build connection, spark curiosity, and support your child’s growing brain.
[i] YW Calgary. (2023) The Importance of Early Literacy: Why it Matters. Retrieved from https://www.ywcalgary.ca/the-importance-of-early-literacy-why-it-matters
[ii] YW Calgary. (n.d.). Early Talks. Retrieved from https://www.ywcalgary.ca/earlytalks