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

Conversation
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Events?
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Benefits?

Basic Information

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

#2
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“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

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

Intimidating Relationships

Most affected by lack of literacy?
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Three groups:
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The working poor
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Female heads of households
Minority groups; English language learners
Three characteristics in common:
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Limited income
Low literacy competencies
Low education levels

Major barriers to literacy?
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There are few or no books in homes
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Parents don’t model reading
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No easy access to transportation

Parents are uncomfortable entering schools and libraries

Elements of a family literacy program?
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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, Georgia
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Meal
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Transportation
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Preschool story
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School-age children with parents
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Door prizes

Basics of a family literacy event?
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A theme
A welcoming activity
One or more picture books
An activity for both parent and child & a book to read together
A snack or a meal
Something to take away

One Good Example

Recommended Themes
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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
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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?
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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 Handouts

Picture Books for Family
Literacy Events

Planning Guide

Action


Conversation

Results?

Q & A

Crash Course in Family
Literacy Programs

Twitter: texaspageturner http://www.realrosemary.tumblr.com