Status: On Demand
Duration: 75 minutes

How do early interactions shape a child’s reading journey — and what does the science say?

In this expert-led webinar, early literacy researchers and advocates explore the deep connection between early talk and reading success. The conversation traces how conversational turns build the foundational skills for word recognition and language comprehension, drawing from the latest research and community-level implementation strategies.

Rooted in LENA’s founding mission to improve literacy outcomes, this session also looks at how communities are using literacy funding to support early language programs—bridging neuroscience, classroom practice, and public policy.

Key Takeaways:

• How early language builds the brain architecture for reading
• What “The Science of Reading” really means in practice
• How communities are structuring programs to access literacy funding
• Lessons from educators, researchers, and policy advocates in the field

Panelists:

• Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs, ZERO TO THREE
• Sonia Cabell, Associate Professor, Florida State University
• Lucy Hart Paulson, Author and Early Literacy Specialist
• Katie Denton-Walls, Early Language and Literacy Specialist, TN CCR&R Network – Signal Centers
• Regina Henning, Early Language and Literacy Specialist, TN CCR&R Network – Signal Centers
• Jenny Mackenzie, Director, The Right to Read Documentary Film
• Nicole Wilson, Implementation Specialist, LENA