Gov. Nathan Deal, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, announced the launch of the Words2Reading website, a web tool with curated resources for families, caregivers and teachers to help develop and sharpen early childhood language and literacy skills.
 
“Strong language and reading skills lay the foundation for a student’s long-term academic success,” said Deal. “Words2Reading promotes increased engagement in childhood education by putting effective learning resources in the hands of families and early educators anywhere in the state. By making these resources readily available for families, caregivers and educators, we are further investing in Georgia’s greatest resource, the minds of our youngest learners, for generations to come.”
 
GOSA developed Words2Reading to build awareness of the importance of early language and literacy development in students from birth to age 8. The tool, which is easily accessible on mobile devices, helps to enhance school readiness and success by providing quick access to easy-to-use resources, strategies and learning tips, all categorized by age and type.
 
To build the platform, GOSA partnered with Georgia-based organizations and other education providers to compile the best resources for developing early language skills. One partner, Ready4KGA, is an evidence-based text messaging program for parents of newborns and children ages 1 to 5. Each week, Ready4KGA subscribers receive fun facts and easy tips to boost early learning. Parents can sign up for these age-specific messages at no cost here.