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Insights, Ideas, and Resources for Early Learning

Welcome to the Think Small Blog, your go-to destination for valuable insights, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories in the field of early learning. Dive into a treasure trove of articles crafted by our team of experts, dedicated to empowering child care providers, educators, and families.

Discover practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and the latest research findings to support children aged 0-5 on their journey to kindergarten readiness. From fostering social-emotional development to promoting cognitive skills, our blog covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you stay informed and equipped to make a positive impact on young lives.

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Small Talks - Talk to Me: How Early Conversations Impact a Child's Life

Small Talks features leaders who will share key insights on early childhood education and discuss innovative solutions to early learning issues in Minnesota. By Kristie Thorson Talk to Me: How ...

brain development, Kindergarten Readiness, language development, LENA, Small Talks, word gap

Using LENA to Help Close the Word Gap

By: Gerri Fisher This month marks one year since the start of the Think Small blog. To celebrate, we’re using January to highlight information and initiatives from Think Small and ...

Early education, early literacy, Infants, infants and toddlers, LENA, LENA Start Program, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Toddlers, word gap

Word Pedometers Brought to Minneapolis to Help Close Word Gap

By: Maya Fanjul-Debnam Minnesota is heralding in an innovative program to help close the word gap. The word gap–a 30 million word deficit between children from low income families and ...

brain development, Child Care, closing word gap, early literacy, LENA Research Foundation, LENA Start Program, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Education, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Quality Child Care, word gap

Minneapolis Launches "Talking is Teaching" Campaign to Close Word Gap

By Maya Fanjul-Debnam By age four, children from low-income families hear 30 million fewer words than their more well-off peers, setting them on very different trajectories for early literacy. The ...

early childhood education, early childhood literacy, Mayor Hodges, Minneapolis, Talking is Teaching, word gap