Psychology
The Impact of Early Language Environment on Later Cognitive Outcomes
Quick fact
In a landmark study, researchers found that by age 3, children from professional families had heard about 30 million more words than children from welfare families—and this difference was linked to significant gaps in vocabulary and later school performance.
Why this is interesting
You've heard that children's brains are like sponges. But did you know that the number of words a child hears in their first three years could predict their vocabulary and reading skills at age nine? What is it about those early conversations that matters so much?