Ames, Iowa – Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach will offer an innovative virtual parenting program, called “Small Talk” to Story County in partnership with the Ames Public Library.
“Small Talk,” which is specifically for parents of children under the age of 30 months, is based in science, according to Mary Wilkins, local Youth Outreach Coordinator, and a program facilitator.
“Science proves that babies’ brains grow to 80 percent of their adult size in the first three years of life,” Wilkins said. “This means the most important time for a baby’s brain is the period from birth to his or her third birthday.”
During that timeframe, infants form 700 new connections a second and respond to our talk right from birth.
“And, research shows that the most important part of raising smarter, happier babies is talking more with them,” Wilkins said. “It works right from birth, even before the child understands a single word.”
Wilks said that the “Small Talk” program dives into the idea of talking and reading to your infant or young toddler, and utilizes the LENA® System, a digital system used in language programs all over the world, so that parents get real and tangible feedback.
“Parents who have participated in ‘Small Talk’ have increased the amount of talking and reading they do with their children, and they see their children talking more too! Many feel more confident and capable as parents,” Wilkins said. “The LENA System allows us to help parents learn how much they’re talking, when they could talk more and how much the parent and baby is growing in this area.”
“Small Talk” will be held virtually with sessions every Thursday, July 7th through September 8th. The sessions will be held from 6:30-7:30 PM.
Wilkins encourages parents to sign up as this ten-week round of “Small Talk” is free to families and includes take-home resources, talking tips, and books, as well as support from trained instructors who know the program and know how to help.
To reserve your spot in the Small Talk Program, email youthstaff@amespubliclibrary.org.
For more information contact Mary Wilkins at 515-337-1601 or mwilkins@iastate.edu.