Celebrate with a Family Literacy Event!Dr. Rosemary Chance, Ph.D.

ConversationEvents?Benefits?

Basic Information

Family literacy? #1At the heart is the improvement of reading and writing skills for children & parents in one family.

#2“The home is the child’s first school, the parent is the child’s first teacher, and reading is the child’s first subject.” Barbara Bush quote

#3Child-parent relationships are essential to the development of a child’s literacy ability.

Intimidating Relationships

Most affected by lack of literacy? Three groups:

The working poor Female heads of households Minority groups; English language

learners Three characteristics in common:

Limited income Low literacy competencies Low education levels

Major barriers to literacy?There are few or no books in

homesParents don’t model readingNo easy access to transportationParents are uncomfortable

entering schools and libraries

Elements of a family literacy program? Interactive literacy activities between

parents & their children Training for parents on how to be the

primary teacher for their children Adult education & training for

personal growth & economics Age-appropriate education for

children

Bring Families Together

Prime Time in Atlanta, GeorgiaMealTransportationPreschool storySchool-age children with

parentsDoor prizes

Basics of a family literacy event?

A themeA welcoming activityOne or more picture booksAn activity for both parent and child &

a book to read togetherA snack or a mealSomething to take away

One Good Example

Recommended Themes Books & Movies Camping Fun with Reading Life on a Farm Pirates Polar Express Reading under the Stars Rhyming The Way I Feel

Dogs or Pets!

Parent-child interaction? Key points to consider:

The literacy goal for children The goal for parents to understand A time for modeling and independent

practice A plan for what you want the parents

to do once they return home

Benefits of an event? Demonstrates how reading can expand a

family’s horizons. Provides access to books for those with

limited access. Helps parents and children interact in

literacy activities at home to improve literacy levels and academic achievement.

Brings families to libraries for literacy and learning.

Another Excellent Choice

Two HandoutsPicture Books for Family Literacy Events

Planning Guide

ActionWhat are your ideas?

ConversationResults?

Q & A

Crash Course in Family Literacy Programs 

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