Learn more about LENA Start, an evidence-based community program designed to engage families and help them learn how to increase conversation with their children during the first few years of life.
LENA - Building brains through early talk
Webinars (2)
The Power of Conversational Turns
Three studies published in 2018 show the relationship between conversational turns and brain development. Join us for a discussion with the lead researchers, Drs. Jill Gilkerson and Rachel Romeo, moderated by Shannon Rudisill of the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative.
Blog Posts (4)
Developmental Snapshot analysis shows that LENA Start’s benefits endure for two years
For children who began LENA Start at risk for language delays, the results are especially encouraging.
Children show elevated language skills one year after LENA Start
Children whose families participated in LENA Start are showing elevated language skills one year after the program, an analysis of longitudinal data shows.
Initial longitudinal evaluation results: Huntsville children whose parents participated in LENA Start have stronger literacy skills two years later
Promising new data show that children whose families participated in LENA Start, a parent-group program focused on increasing early talk, demonstrated considerably higher early literacy scores and were far more likely to be at an advanced literacy level entering pre-K.
New research says how much you talk with babies is linked to their IQ in adolescence
10-year longitudinal study published in Pediatrics correlates interactive talk in early childhood with later cognitive outcomes.
Articles (9)
This Powerful Activity Can Change Your Child’s Brain
Back-and-forth conversations have a significant impact on language development and are important for social, emotional, and cognitive development.
HCS School Readiness Shares New Success Results of Early Start LENA Program
Parents can learn more about their children's early language development with LENA’s “talk pedometer” technology as part of the LENA Start program in Marathon County.
Huntsville parenting program creating stronger student readers
Young children in Huntsville are becoming stronger readers because of the LENA Start parenting program.
Baby talk linked to later adolescent IQ
The findings of a recent long-term study by LENA researchers confirms two-way interaction between adults and infants correlates with increased IQ, verbal comprehension, vocabulary and other language skills 10 years later.
Early Language Exposure and Middle School Language and IQ: Implications for Primary Prevention
Two doctors reviewed the LENA Longitudinal Study and noted its contribution to the field and implications for pediatric policy and clinical practice.
Speaking with toddlers could boost IQ scores and language skills later in life
Having conversations with toddlers has been linked to higher IQ scores and better language skills by the time they reach school, a new study suggests.
Talking with your toddler could boost IQ scores and language skills later: Study
Early conversation with toddlers is linked to better language skills and higher IQ scores later in life, according to a new study.
Boulder non-profit LENA publishes research on importance of early talk with infants, toddlers
A 10-year study by LENA shows that the amount of talk with adults that babies experience in the first three years of life is related to their verbal abilities and IQ in adolescence.
‘Nothing short of remarkable’: Study finds parents’ chats with their toddlers pay off 10 years later
A 10-year study by LENA researchers confirms that the amount of talk with adults that babies experience in the first three years of life is related to their verbal abilities and IQ in adolescence.