Access to Culturally Relevant Literature During COVID-19

• In Event: Learning Through Disruption: Experiences of Transnational and Displaced Youth

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the needs of parents/caregivers in supporting their child’s literacy needs during a global crisis and to explore how access to multicultural books and scaffolding reading to children from low socioeconomic backgrounds impacted their home-based literacy experiences. In partnership with a family center, literacy experts designed a book distribution and reading comprehension program for 150 students ages five through 15. Findings from this study illuminate the importance of multicultural literature, access to books, and understanding the challenges of families supporting their children’s academic needs when instruction shifted to virtual learning from home.

Authors

• AnnMarie Alberton Gunn, University of South Florida - St. Petersburg

• Susan V. Bennett, University of South Florida - St. Petersburg

• Barbara Jean Peterson, University of South Florida