One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: How Families Support Russian Literacy Development of Their Children

• In Event: Roundtable Session 60
  In Roundtable Session: Engaging Families of Children in Primary Grades

Abstract

This study focused on immigrant families supporting the Russian literacy development in elementary-age (5-11) heritage learners of Russian. Using survey and interviews with parents, this study examined family characteristics, literacy supporting resources, and Russian literacy beliefs and practices of the families who regularly attended literacy classes at Russian weekend schools and of the families who occasionally attended special events only. Parents felt strongly about supporting Russian language and literacy, as long as the heritage language did not compromise the children’s academic success in English. Regular attendance of the weekend school was associated with parents’ higher valuing of literacy, higher evaluation of their children’s proficiency, and more time spent in literacy activities at home. Implications for educators and parents are discussed.

Author

• Elena Lyutykh, Concordia University - Chicago