Read Play Talk from the Start
What is Read Play Talk from the Start?
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Read Play Talk from the Start is a free five-week parent education program for families with children under the age of three. In this program, families will learn the importance of reading, playing, and talking with their child every day starting at birth while also learning how to increase those actions at home. Read Play Talk from the Start is an interactive program, where parents and caregivers stay with their child throughout each session and are given opportunities to practice what is taught with other families.
Research shows that back-and-forth conversations between children and caregivers play an important role in early brain development, language growth, and future school success. Read Play Talk from the Start helps families support language development, early literacy, and kindergarten readiness during the critical first three years of life.
Families who attend will receive a free book at the end of each session.
Read Play Talk from the Start Group Details
Mesquite ISD Family Engagement Center
Thursdays, beginning October 22
October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Mesquite ISD Family Engagement Center
220 Pioneer Rd
Mesquite, TX 75149
Thompson Elementary School
Fridays, beginning October 23
October 23, October 30, November 6, November 13, November 20
8:30 – 9:30 am
Thompson Elementary School
2525 Helen Ln
Mesquite, TX 75181
Who Is Read Play Talk from the Start For?
Read Play Talk from the Start is designed for:
- Parents and caregivers of children under age 3
- Families who want to support their child's language development
- Families looking for practical, research-based parenting strategies
- Caregivers interested in learning more about early childhood development
The program is available to all families and is offered in both English and Spanish.
How Does Read Play Talk from the Start Work?
During the five-week program, families participate in weekly sessions where they learn about early brain development, language growth, and the importance of everyday interactions of reading, playing, and talking together.
Families use LENA's innovative “talk pedometer” technology to better understand their child's language environment. The device measures the amount of talk and interaction children experience throughout the day. Families receive personalized feedback and explore simple strategies that can help increase meaningful conversations at home.
Sessions also provide opportunities to connect with other parents and caregivers while learning practical techniques that fit naturally into everyday routines.
Why Talking Matters for Babies and Toddlers
Children learn language through everyday interactions with the people who care for them most. Talking during meals, playtime, errands, bedtime routines, and other daily activities helps children build vocabulary, strengthen communication skills, and develop the foundation for future learning.
Read Play Talk from the Start helps families recognize these opportunities and make the most of the moments they already share together.
Questions Families May Have
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No. Read Play Talk from the Start is designed for families with children under age 3 and is available before children enter school. Families do not need to have a child currently enrolled in Mesquite ISD to participate.
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Families learn how early brain development works, why everyday conversations matter, and practical ways to increase meaningful interactions with their children. Participants also receive personalized feedback and support throughout the program.
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Families participating in the program receive access to LENA's "talk pedometer" technology as part of the program experience.
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Parents and caregivers can support early brain development by reading, playing, and talking with their children every day. These simple interactions help build language skills, strengthen relationships, and create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Read Play Talk from the Start provides practical strategies families can use during everyday routines.
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Yes. Strong language skills are an important foundation for learning, communication, reading, and school readiness. Read Play Talk from the Start helps families build these skills during the critical early years of development.
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Read Play Talk from the Start will be offered this fall at the Mesquite ISD Family Engagement Center and at Thompson Elementary School. This program is available to families throughout the community.
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Read Play Talk from the Start is designed for families with children from birth to age 3. The program focuses on the early years, when children's brains are developing most rapidly, and language skills are beginning to develop.
