Bridging Worlds Through Literacy: A Culturally Sustaining Book Club for Korean Immigrant Parents and Korean American Children

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Education and Research Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

This project addressed the critical need for immigrant parents to understand their children's U.S. school experiences, often challenging due to language and cultural barriers. First-generation Korean parents face unique difficulties, including limited exposure to diversity and scarce resources for Asian American narratives and identity development. Our initiative formed a parent book club for Korean immigrant parents and their Korean American children. The club aimed to help parents grasp their children's experiences, fostering their agency through dialogic reading and collaborative storytelling to support their children's Asian American identity formation. We explored the intersection of parent literacy programs with Korean immigrant cultural experiences in U.S. schools and society, broadening understanding of how parents support their children's unique Asian American identity.

Authors

• Jiyeong Joann Yi, Iowa State University

• Constance C. Beecher, Iowa State University

• Kunhui Kim, Iowa State University