Small TALK
Small TALK is Wellstar’s pediatric literacy program. In partnership with families, our staff provides a language-rich environment during your prenatal through pediatric care journey. We empower you to be your child’s first and best teacher by including healthy habits in your everyday routine.
About Small TALK
Language development begins before birth and grows through connection. These everyday moments aren’t just sweet – they’re science-backed ways to support early brain development and lifelong learning. Wherever your family starts on the care journey at Wellstar, we’re with you. Our team members are trained by Small TALK’s Pediatric Literacy Nurse Navigators to model strong language nutrition, explain its importance and coach you on how to carry these practices into life at home. Our goal is to empower you to feel confident using your voice to support your child’s development.In partnership with families, we’re building a language-rich environment that supports children from pregnancy through early childhood, including:
OB/GYN offices surrounding Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Centers starting in the third trimester of pregnancy
Mother Baby and Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU across Wellstar) Supporting babies and families right after birth
Pediatric practices From newborn through age 8
Community partnerships Extending literacy support beyond the hospital
Click each section below to learn more about how you can best support your child, from pre-birth through their transition into school.
Why early language exposure matters
Language nutrition
Just like food nourishes your child’s body, words nourish their brain. Talking, reading, singing and playing every day fuels healthy development.Early brain growth
By age 3, your child’s brain is already 80% developed. By age 5, that number jumps to 90%. These early years are critical—and you’re a vital part of it.All languages are welcome
Speaking more than one language at home? That’s not confusing—it’s a gift. Children can learn multiple languages at once and doing so supports strong communication skills.Vocabulary means reading readiness
Every conversation helps build vocabulary, and vocabulary forms the foundation for reading. That’s why those back-and-forth moments matter so much.Third grade reading is a turning point
From birth to third grade, children learn to read. After third grade, they read to learn. Kids who don’t meet this milestone are four times more likely to struggle later, affecting school, health and their life. That’s why we start early.
Literacy Begins at Birth
“The literacy ecosystem starts with parents and families before a baby is born and continues throughout childhood. Starting with our tiniest patients, we make a point of talking to the child just as much as we talk to the parent or caregiver.”
— Dr. Susan Staviss, Wellstar pediatrician
Support & Resources
Parenting can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Small TALK supports you with resources, ideas and encouragement at every stage. Together, we can help every child grow up ready to read, learn and thrive.Small TALK Education Resources
English Resources
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Recursos educativos de Small TALK
Small TALK es el programa de alfabetización pediátrica de Wellstar que enfatiza la importancia de hablar, leer, cantar y jugar con su hijo para promover el crecimiento y desarrollo del cerebro. Esto llevará a mejorar las habilidades de lenguaje y lectura a medida que las familias incorporen los principios de Small TALK en los momentos cotidianos.
A continuación hay una lista de recursos que puede usar para ayudar a comprender cómo apoyar el desarrollo de su hijo. Comuníquese con su equipo de atención pediátrica si tiene alguna pregunta sobre cómo Small TALK puede tener un GRAN impacto.
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Conversa Fiada Recursos em Português
Small TALK é o Programa de Alfabetização Pediátrica da Wellstar que enfatiza a importância de falar, ler, cantar e brincar com seu filho para promover o crescimento e desenvolvimento do cérebro. Isto levará a melhores competências linguísticas e de leitura à medida que as famílias incorporam os princípios do Small TALK nos momentos quotidianos. Abaixo está uma lista de recursos que você pode usar para ajudar a entender como apoiar o desenvolvimento do seu filho. Entre em contato com sua equipe de atendimento pediátrico se tiver alguma dúvida sobre como o Small TALK pode causar um GRANDE impacto!
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Grateful for Small TALK’s Impact
“I’m very appreciative of all that Small TALK is doing for our babies, our families and our units. It's very important.”
— Dr. Amanda “Shae” Evans, Wellstar neonatologist