Perspective: ReadTalkPlay
How one Idaho school district is fostering community through a ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative.
ReadTalkPlay
How our Idaho school district is fostering community through the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative
On Wednesdays, our small Idaho town becomes a sea of blue. Everyone in American Falls—from teachers to parents to business owners, from toddlers to retirees—wears their ReadTalkPlay T-shirts. Our community visibly shows their support for one of our most treasured resources: our children and their opportunities to read, talk and play with their families.
The American Falls School District serves a diverse student body of about 1,600 students in southern Idaho. A significant portion of our families face economic challenges; about 65% of our students are eligible for free lunch. Additionally, 52% of our students are Hispanic, 5% are Native American and 30% are English Language Learners. This diversity enriches our community and underscores the importance of building initiatives that cater to the needs of all students and families.
In 2019, we launched the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative with a simple yet powerful mission: to encourage families to read, talk and play with their children daily. This initiative, though spearheaded by our district, quickly evolved into a community-wide movement that brought together businesses, civic organizations and families. In a time when division seems prevalent in many communities, the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative has not only supported early childhood development but also fostered a sense of unity and collective purpose in American Falls.
The roots of this initiative, though, took hold long before 2019. It started with my mother, and continued with my own experience as a father and grandfather. When I was a child, my mother spent a lot of time making sure I had individualized attention. While this started when I was young, she didn’t give up once I entered adolescence. I remember that even when I came in late, my parents would be waiting for me, ready to engage with me and learn about what I was going through. As a superintendent, when I looked at students’ needs in my own community, I realized that they need the same things I did. They need ReadTalkPlay.
The Power of Reading Every Day
Reading is a cornerstone of childhood development, and our initiative emphasizes the importance of daily reading. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, children who are read to from a young age exhibit more advanced literacy skills by the time they enter school than their peers. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends reading aloud to children from infancy, highlighting the impact this practice has on cognitive and emotional development.
In our community, we have seen these benefits firsthand. Families report that their children are more enthusiastic about books and show greater curiosity about the world around them. Our schools have also noted improvements in students’ reading levels and overall academic performance. By fostering a culture of reading, we are laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
The Importance of Talking Every Day
Engaging in daily conversations with children is equally important. Talking helps children develop critical communication skills, enhances their understanding of language and builds their confidence in expressing themselves. According to University of Kansas researchers Betty Hart and Todd R. Risley, the number of words a child hears in their early years significantly impacts their language development and IQ later in life. This finding underscores the importance of rich verbal interactions between parents and children.
Our initiative encourages families to make the most of everyday moments by talking with their children about their experiences, thoughts and feelings. This practice not only boosts language skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond. Families in our community have shared stories of how simple conversations—during meals, car rides or playtime—have led to deeper connections and a better understanding of their children’s perspectives. This focus on communication has cultivated a supportive and nurturing environment where children feel heard and valued.
The Joy of Playing Every Day
Play is a vital aspect of a child’s development, contributing to physical, emotional and social well-being. Through play, children learn to solve problems, develop motor skills and navigate social interactions. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that play is essential for healthy brain development and should be a fundamental part of every child’s daily routine.
The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative encourages families to prioritize playtime, whether through structured activities like sports and games or unstructured free play. Research has shown that play promotes creativity, resilience and emotional regulation. Families have embraced the joy of playing together, creating lasting memories and stronger family bonds.
“ReadTalkPlay has become an integral part of our daily routine,” says Shawna Teichert, a parent in our community. “It has strengthened our family bonds and created so many wonderful memories. My children look forward to our reading and playtime every day, and I’ve seen significant improvements in their language skills and confidence.”
Engaging Families
A key component of the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative has been our family engagement nights, which offer diverse activities designed to bring families together while promoting reading, talking and playing. These events have been incredibly popular, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Events have included activities themed around gardening, exploring different cultures, family STEM activities and more.
These events not only provide educational benefits but also strengthen the bonds within families and between community members. The excellent attendance at these activities demonstrates the community’s commitment to supporting each child’s development. “ReadTalkPlay has changed the way families interact in our community,” says Whitney Lankford, co-creator of the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative. “It has brought parents and children closer together, fostering deeper connections and a stronger sense of support.”
One of the most remarkable outcomes of this initiative has been the unity it has brought to our community. In an era where many communities face division, American Falls stands out as an example of what can be achieved when everyone rallies around a common goal. Over 90% of our local businesses have joined as community partners, promoting the initiative in various ways. From billboards and painted windows to logos on statements, invoices and letters, the message of ReadTalkPlay is ubiquitous.
One particularly memorable event was the ReadTalkPlay Ball Game hosted by a Minor League baseball team in a neighboring community. The event featured special T-shirts for kids, and players read books to children before the game. This creative integration of ReadTalkPlay into a beloved community activity highlights the initiative’s far-reaching impact.
The success of the ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative can be attributed to the collaborative effort of our entire community. Civic organizations, government entities and service groups have all played a role in promoting and supporting the initiative. This widespread involvement has not only amplified the reach of our message but also fostered a sense of pride and belonging among residents. The initiative has become a source of community identity, highlighting the values we hold dear and our commitment to our children’s future.
“The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative has been a cornerstone in bringing our community together,” says American Falls Mayor Rebekah Sorenson. “In times of division, it has provided a common goal that everyone can rally behind, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.”
Impact on Educational Outcomes
The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative has yielded impressive results in educational outcomes. Our spring kindergarten reading proficiency scores have improved dramatically, rising from under 50% (far below the state average) to over 80% (far above the state average). This remarkable progress reflects the effectiveness of our initiative in preparing children for academic success.
The initiative has also led to the development of a successful community-based preschool collaborative. Preschool enrollment has increased from 30% to 70%, ensuring that more children have access to early learning opportunities. Attendance at “READY! for Kindergarten” parenting classes, where families learn to use play to support their children’s development, has increased by over 500%. These classes empower parents to succeed in their roles as their children’s first and most important teachers.
Amplifying Impact
The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative has transformed the American Falls community in many ways. By focusing on the simple yet impactful practices of reading, talking and playing with our children every day, we have seen significant benefits in their development. The initiative has brought our community closer together, creating a unified and supportive environment for all.
The success of the initiative has not been confined to American Falls. Our model has inspired many other communities to adopt similar initiatives. We are proud to share our ideas and the ReadTalkPlay logo with any community interested in fostering early childhood development and community unity. By collaborating and sharing resources, we can amplify the positive impact on children and families far beyond our own district.
As school administrators, we understand the critical role that early childhood development plays in shaping future success. The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative serves as a powerful example of how a community can come together to support its youngest members. I encourage other districts to consider similar initiatives, fostering not only the development of their students but also the unity and strength of their communities.
Together, we can create a brighter future for our children, one where they are equipped with the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive. The ReadTalkPlay Every Day Initiative is more than just a program; it is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of investing in our children’s growth.
Recommended Articles
Q&A: Working Together
Superintendent Dr. Pete Hannigan and Comms Specialist Samantha Cook share strategies for working collaboratively.
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora: The Enterprise Super
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora is leading her district to new heights with against-all- odds tenacity and an enterprising spirit.
Dr. Matt Hillmann: On the Same Page
Minnesota’s Dr. Matt Hillmann shares how he maintains a healthy relationship with his district’s teachers union.