Although the ideas are specifically geared toward younger students, I’m certain that the ideas implemented anytime can impact a student. I highly recommend this book to anyone who works with children, has children, or knows children because of the ease of writing style and the long-term effects of the actions. I'm not saying that the ideas in those steps are simple, merely that by breaking down years of research into three steps, adults are more likely to implement the steps while interacting with children in their lives. I like the simplicity of the three steps. Take Turns by encouraging your child to respond to your words and actions.”.Talk More with your child using descriptive words to build his vocabulary.

“Tune In by paying attention to what your child is communicating to you.

Suskind started a foundation that seeks to educate parents, caregivers, and teachers on ways to help students decrease that gap (): Students who have a gap at three years old, without interventions, will continue to have a gap as they age. In Suskind’s research, students who grow up hearing fewer words prior to elementary school (typically those who grew up in poverty), struggle to keep up with their peers throughout their entire educational career. Throughout my career, I have worked with students who are first-generation college attendees and/or students living in poverty, and this book helped me better understand their struggle in school. The thesis will probably stick with me forever.

Three hundred pages and three weeks later, I’m still talking about it. Thirty pages in, I sent the title to my mother and a preschool teacher friend, basically making them promise to read the book immediately. The author recounts her journey working with hearing-impaired children and how it led her to learn more about early childhood education. This summer, I read 30 Million Words: Building a Child’s Brain by Dana Suskind, MD. Upon their arrivals, I started to read more about educational strategies to use with younger children. Followed shortly thereafter by the World's Greatest Niece.

I can't imagine teaching students that young.Īnd then I met the World's Greatest Nephew. However, when I meet someone who teaches the other end of the educational spectrum, those who teach students four and younger, my eyes widen and I make the same comment! When I tell someone this, I generally receive wide eyes and a “How can you do that?” comment in return. During my entire career in education, I have worked with students 16 and up.

Dana suskind 30 million words