Photo Elicitation and the Exploration of School Readiness in Low-Income Families

• In Event: Documenting and Researching Early Childhood Practices

Abstract

Listening to and learning from families is a critical aspect of education and addressing school readiness disparities. This study explores family perspectives and activities in preparing children for school among parents of children living in low-income homes. Based on ethnographic techniques and photo elicitation as a mode of inquiry, this study highlights the variable ways in which eight families support their children’s learning and development for school, and presents readiness as a dynamic process between families, schools and communities. Based on a thematic analysis, five main findings are presented and described. The unexpected finding of the utility of our method as an intervention for families and communities is explored, and implications are provided for future research and practice.

Authors

• Kyle Elizabeth Miller, Illinois State University

• Janean Dilworth-Bart, University of Wisconsin - Madison