Leveraging a Family Literacy Project to Connect Home and School Literacies

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Support Home-School Cultural Connections (Table 6)

Abstract

This study investigated a family literacy project (FLP) built on reciprocal learning for both parents/caregivers and teachers, to develop a deeper understanding of how FLPs support parents in their understanding of classrooms and teachers in their understanding of homes. Through a cross-case analysis the following key findings emerged: 1) teachers who participated demonstrated broadened understandings of home literacy, 2) teachers’ connections to home literacy in their classroom were limited by the prescribed curriculum, 3) teacher/caregiver dyads developed stronger and improved communication and relationships, 4) caregivers who participated described an increased willingness and comfort to participate in the classroom and at the school, and 5) caregivers described changes in the texts they read at home which included more informational books.

Author

• Jennifer Bryson, Boston University