Immigrant Family and Community Involvement in the Russian Literacy Development of Elementary-Age Learners

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Topics in Family-School-Community Partnerships

Abstract

This study focused on immigrant families and communities in the US supporting the Russian literacy development in elementary-age (5-11) children. 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 community school was associated with parents’ higher valuing of Russian literacy and more time spent in literacy activities at home. Implications for educators are discussed.

Author

• Elena Lyutykh, Concordia University - Chicago