Program Works To Boost Vocabulary In Low-Income Kids

DENVER (CBS4)- Research shows that low-income parents speak with their children less than parents in higher income brackets. By the time those children are three years old, they have heard 30 million fewer words than middle class peers.

One non-profit in Colorado, Bright By Three, is trying to level the playing field.

Guadalupe Vargas, a nanny, is learning that a game of pickup helps 8-month old Cora develop motor skills.

"It's really exciting to see the development of the child," said Vargas.

A newly launched messaging system called "Bright By Text" from the organization Bright By Three sends Vargas weekly lessons that she and Cora can complete together.

"It's a neat program to be a part of, just so I'm not boring her and I know we are doing interactive things," said Vargas.

"Most of us have cell phones, we think it's a great way to reach parents and at that moment they can engage in a learning game," said Bright By Three Director of Strategic Development Katharine Brenton.

Brenton said the texts also explain why the child will benefit from the learning game.

"It doesn't cost you anything, you just get the text messages," said Vargas.

The free messages provide invaluable lessons for Cora and other infants so they can prepare for preschool.

Parents and caregivers can customize the text messages according to the child's age group.

A recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research finds preschoolers perform better on literacy tests when parents or caregivers receive learning and reading tips via text message.

"The study shows by spending time earlier with a child, you mold and shape that child," said Family Psychologist Dr. Larry Curry.

Curry said children begin to build life-long learning habits from birth to three years old. Those tests could serve as a reminder to parents to work with their children.

"It's a great resource for folks that don't have a lot of resources available to them," said Vargas.

LINK: brightbythree.org