About Thirty million words
Thirty Million Words: Using Science to Drive Innovation and Fuel Social Change
Thirty Million Words (TMW) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve child outcomes by empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to promote early language development. Founded in 2015, TMW is based at the University of Chicago's TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health, where a team of researchers, educators, and advocates work together to translate cutting-edge science into practical solutions for families.
At the heart of TMW's mission is the belief that every child deserves a strong foundation in language and literacy skills. Research has shown that children who are exposed to rich language environments from birth have better cognitive, social-emotional, and academic outcomes than those who are not. However, many parents may not realize the importance of talking, reading, and singing with their young children or may lack the resources or support needed to do so effectively.
To address this gap, TMW has developed a range of evidence-based programs and resources that aim to empower parents as their child's first teacher. These include:
- The Thirty Million Words Initiative: This flagship program provides coaching sessions for parents of infants and toddlers aimed at increasing their use of "parent talk" - meaningful conversations with their child about what they see, hear, think or feel.
- The TMW Online Academy: A free online course designed for anyone interested in learning more about early childhood development.
- The Parenting Through Change program: A series of workshops aimed at supporting families during times of transition such as divorce or relocation.
- The Talk With Me Baby app: An interactive tool designed to help caregivers track their daily interactions with young children.
All these programs are grounded in rigorous scientific research conducted by experts in fields such as neuroscience, psychology,and education. By using data-driven approaches,TMW aims not onlyto improve individual family outcomes but also contribute towards larger societal changes.
In addition to its direct work with families, TMW is also committed to advocating for policies and practices that support early childhood development. This includes partnering with policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to promote evidence-based strategies for promoting language-rich environments in homes, schools,and communities.
Overall, Thirty Million Words is a unique organization that combines cutting-edge science with practical solutions to address one of the most pressing challenges facing young children today: the achievement gap. By empowering parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools they need to promote early language development,TMW is helping to build a brighter future for all children.