READING AND TALKING TO CHILDREN EARLY
THE WHO, WHAT, AND WHY OF OUR MISSION
WHO-CHILDREN AGE 0-3!
Babies learn language by hearing it spoken. Being exposed to conversation, reading aloud, and singing are all beneficial. Lifelong social relationships, reading ability, and math comprehension depend on early language development.
WHAT-RESOURCES!
We provide books meant for little hands- sturdy board books. WordUp helps families build collections of quality books which we obtain at reduced prices. Because WordUp is dedicated to helping families nourish their child’s language development, we work to get the message out through our newsletters, informational magnets, and other creative ways.
Why-A Better Future!
Data shows 80% of a child’s brain development happens before age 3! To that end the American Academy of Pediatrics urges community leaders to ‘ensure that books are available to all families’. Be a leader, donate today!
What Kind of books
Board books are sturdy cardboard books meant for little children. We purchase new books with financial donations and also accept gently used books for the Laurel United Methodist Diaper Drive.
Quality guides our selections. We look for children's books that have rhyme, humor, word play, and exposure to new vocabulary. Diversity in illustrations is a priority – all children should see faces that look like themselves.
Stories
IT TAKES A VILLAGE…
"It takes a village to raise a child," is an African proverb. For children to flourish, they require community support. WordUp joins with local organizations and clinics to encourage a healthy, happy start in life. Many groups distribute our books and informational materials to families.
OUR VILLAGE
WHO LIKES TO READ?
We know some adults don't like to read, maybe don't even read very well. So we select board books that are uncomplicated, funny and often adorable. We want parents to feel successful. After all, you can 'talk the pictures' and still have a great book experience. Some of our books grab a kid's attention so they beg for a story. Like the silly one where a turkey keeps putting clothes on the wrong body part. Or the truck book with real wheels to turn! One man said, "These books make ME want to be a kid again!"
MANY LANGUAGES
Books do more than tell stories-they connect generations, preserve language, and create shared moments. A Springfield family working with Parents As Teachers recently received Arabic board books from WordUp. "As we read, we name what we see in Arabic and English," shared the mother. Her son now reaches for the books and engages with the pictures. We love providing books in a family's native language to promote early literacy skills and ease their transition into a new culture.
THANK YOU, ROTARY!
The Downtown Rotary Club demonstrated its commitment to community service by partnering with WordUp in April 2026 to provide books for Parents As Teachers. Rotary purchased 260 books and took part in delivering them in person, making the experience even more meaningful. Here's a photo of everyone helping with a group read-aloud to kids. Thank you, Rotary!
EASE THE PAIN
"I have had to take my children to Pediatrics at Sangamon County Public Health several times for vaccines. As a parent, it is very anxiety producing for me and the children. When we are there, we are given a book every time. We read it together while waiting or after we have finished the vaccinations. The pop-up books and the ones about trucks really eases the tension and makes for a great visit!"
