Learning to Read and Write Overview Parent Time Topics Suggested Activities

Knowledge of Print

  • Literacy experiences in the home are related to a child's understanding of the functions of print and later acquisition of literacy (Britto & Brooks-Gunn, 2001).
  • Children learn a lot about reading from the labels, signs, and other kinds of print they see around them (McGee, Lomax, & Head, 1988).


  • Exploring the many purposes for reading (K-3, 3-5)
  • Learning about the concepts of print (K-3, 3-5)
  • Helping children engage in meaningful readin g and writing experiences (K-3, 3-5)


  • Demonstrate the uses of print by creating a reading log. (K-3)
  • Gather samples of print in the environment and create a scrapbook using these materials. (K-3, 3-5)

Conclusion

Parent education sessions in family literacy programs are a powerful educational opportunity for parents with limited English language and literacy skills. These sessions offer parents a chance to meet and discuss matters of importance to them as new immigrants in this country. Most importantly, parents learn how to support their children's language and literacy development as they learn to navigate the American school system.