A “hands-on” workshop that focuses on research-based strategies designed to open up effective communication between parents and children to reduce the 30-Million Literacy, Word-Gap that exists between children of upper income families and those from lower income families; thus, creating a rich environment for children of lower income families to succeed academically during the critical, foundational years. This workshop focuses on R.E.A.D., literacy activities, dialogic reading, and uses a combination of self-affirming exercises, case studies, and “category scaling” to increase word usage, verbal fluency, and vocabulary to build confidence, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking skills. At the conclusion of the workshop parents sign an accountability contract between themselves and their child to implement three key strategies designed to close the gap. A one-month follow-up consultation with attendees is included.