Parents as Teachers USD 475

08/28/2026

The path to reading success starts long before children read their first words.

When young children sing, listen to stories, talk with caring adults, and explore books through play, they're building the literacy skills that support future learning.

That's why we created Word Wonders, a FREE early literacy and language curriculum for children ages 18–48 months.

- 20 play-based activities
- 10 original songs and rhymes
- Free to download

Help children build vocabulary, communication skills, listening comprehension and a lifelong love of books: https://bit.ly/4g9xeKx

08/25/2026

Did you know that 40 conversational turns an hour is a great goal for toddlers? And don’t worry—you don’t need to sit down and have a 60-minute conversation with your child! 😊

A conversational turn is simply a back-and-forth interaction between you and your child.

👩 “Look at that big truck!”
👦 “Truck!”
👩 “Yes! A BIG truck!”
👦 points to another truck
👩 “You found another one!”

That’s conversation! 🚚

These back-and-forth exchanges help children build language, vocabulary, thinking skills, and social connections. Research has found that children who experience more conversational turns in the toddler years tend to have stronger language and cognitive outcomes later on.

And the best part? You can build conversational turns into things you’re already doing!

🍎 During snack: “You want more?” → “More!”
🧸 During play: “The baby is sleeping.” → Child makes a sound → “Shhh… baby is sleeping!”
🚗 In the car: “I see a red car!” → Child points → “Yes! You see the red car!”
🛁 During bath time: “Splash!” → Child splashes → “You made a BIG splash!”

Follow their lead. Wait for their response. Respond to what they do or say. Then keep it going!

You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to count every turn. ❤️ Just look for opportunities to turn everyday moments into little back-and-forth conversations.

Every turn counts!

08/21/2026

Everyday routines are full of opportunities to build language. While getting dressed, making a snack, or driving to daycare, talk about what you see and do.
Simple words like, “Shoe on!” “More milk!” or “Look, a dog!” can help build your child’s understanding and communication skills. 💙

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

08/16/2026

08/14/2026

🌻 August 14 is Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kansas Day!

We're CELEBRATING the THOUSANDS of Kansas children currently receiving books! 🥳

🎉 You can celebrate Dolly's vision and nurture a love of reading in all Kansas kids by doing any of the following:

📚 Read with a child.
📌 Share this message so that more families learn about the program.
📱 Talk to a friend, family member, or neighbor with a child under five who might not yet be enrolled.
🌳 Visit a Story Adventure trail. Embark on an outdoor journey through the magic of storytelling at four state parks in Kansas: Clinton, El Dorado, Milford, and Wilson. Details: kschildrenscabinet.gov/imaginationlibrary/parent-resources/story-adventures
💻 Visit the of Kansas webpage to get involved: kschildrenscabinet.gov/imaginationlibrary

08/11/2026

**We are currently at capacity for this event! If you are interested in being added to the waitlist, please send us a message or email ([email protected]) and I will let you know if a spot becomes available. If you registered and are no long able to attend, please let us know so we can open the spot for someone else!**

We are partnering with Telemynd to bring an event specifically for the families that have a spouse on rotation or that will be going on an upcoming rotation!

Join us as we help families connect, build community, and learn about support.

Registration is free but limited. Participants will be contacted after registration to confirm your spot. If spots are filled, we will start a waitlist so please let us know if you can no longer attend the event!

Fill out the registration form in the comments to secure your spot!

We hope to see you there!