Designing a family literacy program
Abstract
A family literacy program addresses the literacy needs and barriers of children and their families with a comprehensive plan. This practice, by Family Support America (formerly the Family Resource Coalition), recommends designing a family literacy program by identifying the components of such a program, the criteria on which those components are based, and reviewing other family literacy program models.Issue
Often literacy problems are passed from one generation to the next. By involving the family with literacy objectives, this education pattern can be changed.Action
According to the Family Support America, a family literacy program should include the following components:Child Only: In a majority of programs, the goal is to enhance children's literacy skills; however, goals in other areas of development have been pursued. Activities include early childhood programs, day care, kindergarten programs, reading and storytelling events, and music and art activities.
Adult Only: Goals for adults aged 16 and above include developing literacy and parenting skills, and improving self-esteem. Services include Adult Basic Education (ABE), high school equivalency (GED preparation), English as a Second Language (ESL), and employment training.
Adult and Child: This component is the distinguishing feature of family literacy programs. Activities include side-by-side reading, modeling of child development practices, reading aloud, storytelling, educational field trips, and computer games.
Family Support: This component targets the family's utilization of community resources, the development of social networks, the development of parenting skills, and the economic self-sufficiency of the family. Community resource goals include learning to use medical resources, how to vote, day care, and counseling. Development of social networks includes strengthening interfamily relationships.
Context
A family literacy program is one which has the following criteria:
- Is conceptualized around the needs and concerns of the family, in contrast to serving individual family members in isolation
- Contains an educational component which formally or informally affects the child's literacy or development
- Contains an educational component for the adult, providing both literacy activities and parenting education to enable adults to attain proficiency in basic skills
- Includes at least one activity focusing on the exchange of knowledge and information between the adult and the child
- Is developed based on community needs and participant recommendation
The types of family literacy programs vary, depending upon needs of the community. Some programs are small, grassroots, community-based groups, while others are larger. Issues addressed in the family literacy programs modeled in this report include school readiness, English as a Second Language, GED acquisition, literacy needs for rural areas, incarcerated parents, and comprehensive collaboration services.
Additionally, these programs can introduce the family to their child's educational setting, and encourage future involvement. The programs often provide support beyond basic literacy goals to include related subjects such as child development, parenting skills, and GED preparation. Activities bring children and parents together to exchange information and share learning experiences. This proactive approach to family support is a key element of family literacy programs.