Summary
When families and schools partner to support children’s literacy achievement, children have more opportunities to learn and practice essential literacy skills and grow as readers and writers. When the relationship between home and school is positive, families are more likely to engage with school staff and connect classroom literacy instruction with home literacy activities.
Family engagement in literacy includes:
- Literacy workshops for parents (provided through schools, community centers, local libraries etc.).
- Encouraging parents to read with their child and listen to their child read aloud.
- Provides resources and opportunities through community events.
- Supports to highlight that simple everyday experiences can be opportunities for developing literacy skills.
Considerations
- How much time will be needed?
- What resources might families have or need?
- What are the literacy levels of each family?
- Do resources need to be translated into another language?
Suggestions
- Encourage families to visit schools to observe literacy instruction.
- Provide reading and writing materials to families.
- Make sure families and children feel welcomed and respected.
- Allow for parents to ask questions and provide feedback.
- Think outside the box: Virtual opportunities to support stressed families to continue education/find whatever needed support resources (food, mental health, eviction prevention, healthcare).
Resources
MDE Family Engagement for Literacy
Remote Literacy Learning
Literacy Rich Environments
Read to Me Resources
English Language Arts
