Educators Learning From Parents: A Children’s Book Program and Low-Income, Low Print-Literate, Diverse Families

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Family, School, Community Partnership Initiatives to Promote Literacy (Table 17)

Abstract

This research included low-literate, Spanish-speaking mothers’ participation in a family literacy program. Specifically, the focus was on the reported impact of the program on their lives and those of their 4-5 year old child. Many of the participating mothers could not read or write in English or Spanish, yet signed up for the program that gave children’s books to the families. This research, based on parent audio recorded semi-structured interviews and focus groups with parents and preschool teachers, revealed how families interacted with the books along with their perspectives on the books. Given that less is known about low print-literate parents in family literacy programs engagement with books, this research offers insight for both school educators and literacy programs.

Authors

• Jacqueline Lynch, Florida International University

• Jennifer Mirabal, Florida International University