The 30 Million Word Gap

The 30 Million Word Gap refers to the difference in the number of words children from higher-income families are exposed to compared to those from lower-income families by age three. Research suggests that children from wealthier backgrounds hear about 30 million more words, which can influence their vocabulary, language skills, and later academic success. This gap highlights disparities in early language exposure, emphasizing the importance of rich verbal interactions for all children to support their development and future opportunities.