New Montana public service campaign spreads the word about the importance of language in early childhood development

Children who share stories, read, sing songs or simply talk with their parents or caregivers every day during their earliest years are more likely to succeed later in school and live happy, healthy lives. That is because when a child hears language frequently, strong brain connections are built; these connections help children learn, socialize, and feel safe, loved and confident.

Each year, Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers program partners with community teams of rural and tribal citizen leaders to share more than 14,000 sturdy, colorful board books and early learning resource materials with Montana families. "By getting books in the hands of caregivers and children, we want to encourage rich early learning experiences at home that can make a big difference in the development of a young child," explained Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer, executive director of Hopa Mountain. "Reading is just one kind of vital interaction-the key is positive language development through storytelling, singing or just talking together."

For information about Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers program, please call (406) 586-2455. These programs are made possible with generous support from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Women’s Opportunity and Resource Development (WORD) through the Montana Parent Information and Resource Center funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the Steele-Reese Foundation, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, the O.P. and W.E. Edwards Foundation, the Montana Office of Public Instruction, the Walter L. and Lucille Braun Family Charitable Gift Fund, and Hopa Mountain members.

Full Story: http://www.charkoosta.com/2011/2011_02_17/PSA-language.html