James_September-October_2026_web - Flipbook - Page 40
a developing brain needs most: human interaction. Those interactions
build language and lay the foundation for literacy in ways technology
simply can’t replicate.
But this is not work that teachers,
administrators, or school systems can
accomplish alone. It’s going to take a
commitment from each of us.
Real, lasting change happens
when communities decide that every child matters. Educators, healthcare providers, childcare centers,
libraries, churches, civic organizations, local governments, businesses,
and the media all have a role to play
in helping families understand the
importance of those first five years.
DAYLE BURNS AND HUSBAND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER JON BURNS.
Most importantly, we must intentionally reach the least of these, the
Council. Made up of local teachers, school administrafamilies who too often fall through the cracks, so that
tors, parents, faith leaders, volunteers, and business
no child begins school already behind simply because
owners, the council works hand-in-hand with families
no one reached out.
to give children a strong start at learning.
Our kindergarten teachers help identify children
Effingham Early Literacy Council
who arrive unprepared for school. Then we ask a
That vision is already taking shape in my own
simple but important question: Do they have younger
community through the Effingham Early Literacy
brothers or sisters at home? If they do, we begin working with that family immediately, encouraging Language Nutrition, and connecting parents with resources before those younger children enter kindergarten.
My dream is simple. I want every child in Georgia
to walk into kindergarten confident, prepared, and
ready to learn. If Georgia truly wants to lead in literacy,
our next frontier isn’t inside our classrooms. It’s in the
formative years of development that shape every child
long before the first school bell ever rings.
Dayle Burns is the wife of state House of Representatives Speaker Jon
Burns and worked as a school teacher and principal for 30 years.
Scan the QR code below to learn more about Language Nutrition and
the critical role the first five years play in a child’s development from
Dayle Burns and Georgia Reads Coach Malcolm Mitchell.
SCAN TO WATCH
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JAMES SEPTE M B E R/O C TO BE R 2 0 2 6
