We all play a part, Talk from the Start!

Talk from the Start is a campaign created by the Mississippi Children’s Museum, funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. It was formed to raise awareness that talking to and with children from birth is essential to learning and literacy.

When adults purposefully talk to children, children develop larger vocabularies.

Quality interaction between caregivers and child – talking, playing, reading, and singing – sets your child up for reading success.

Young children need to hear about 21,000 words per day for optimal language and reading development.

Meet Rocky

“Hi, I’m Rocky the Reader! I love talking with my friends, both small and tall. I want everyone to know that children learn how to read and write best when we talk with them from the start of their lives.”

“I love to visit schools and communities throughout Mississippi. I play games that teach caregivers different ways to talk to young children and help them develop a love for language and reading. I even have a house that travels throughout Mississippi, and you’re invited to visit me when I’m in your area.”

My statewide tour begins at the Mississippi Children’s Museum in Jackson and Meridian this spring! Click below to see when I will be in a town near you or request for me to visit your school or community.

What is Talk from the Start?

Founding Partners

The mission of MCM is to create unparalleled experiences to inspire excellence and a lifelong joy of learning.

The museum accomplishes this mission through hands-on and engaging exhibits and programs focusing on literacy, the arts, science, health and nutrition–the keys to helping our children mature into healthy and productive adult learners.