Using a family-oriented approach to English as a Second Language instruction

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Abstract

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia recognized a child is more likely to succeed in school if his/her parents are proficient in English. The council began the Family Learning Program, which uses a family-oriented approach to English as a Second Language instruction for parents and children in the community. In a supportive atmosphere, families work together to promote mutual learning. This effective practice was shared at the AmeriCorps*VISTA Faith-Based and Community Organization Conference at the University of Indianapolis, August 20 through August 22, 2001.

Issue

Research shows that the primary indicator for how well a child will succeed in school is his or her parents' education level. A child who comes from a non-reading family is eight times more likely to drop out of school without graduating. The Family Learning Program serves low-income, limited English proficient parents and children in the Northern Virginia community. The program builds on parents' desire to see the quality of life of their children improve, using a family-oriented approach to meeting the high demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in the community.

Action

The Family Learning Program provides a supportive environment for families to work together to promote mutual learning. Participating families engage in individual and shared activities that:

Help parents develop basic English language and literacy skills
Reinforce and enhance what the children are learning in school
Promote literacy and learning in the home.

Service and activities:

Adult ESL classes
Adult reading/writing tutoring
Computer-assisted learning
Parent education workshops
Children's book giveaways
Homework help and child care for children
Interaction activities for parents and children
Field trips

An AmeriCorps*VISTA member coordinates the program and an AmeriCorps member is an ESL instructor for the initiative.

Context

The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia is a non-profit educational organization that recruits and trains volunteers to tutor adults who need to develop basic reading, writing and English speaking skills. The Family Learning Program is a partnership with Fairfax County Head Start, Main Street Child Development Center and Crestwood Elementary School. The program is offered two evenings per week at three sites in the community.

Evidence

Seventy-five percent of parents have increased the amount of time they spend reading or looking at books with their children.
88 percent of parents indicated their conversational English as improved.
76 percent of parents indicated they have increased the amount of time they speak English.
88 percent of parents showed reading improvement.
Parents demonstrated English skills by writing essays for a book of stories illustrated by their children.