This handbook, developed from the authors' experience working with parents and children in a family literacy program in Niagra Falls, Canada, presents ideas and activities that help family members work together to learn why reading and writing are important and how children learn about literacy. It provides parents with step-by-step instructions…

Acknowledging the problems with and the need for family communication, this booklet shows how increasing family reading can improve family communication and bring parent and child closer. It is not designed to teach a child how to read, but will show parents how to help their child become a better and more enthusiastic reader, by experiencing…

This book is part of a series that helps parents choose books for their children and talk with them about books in ways that actively engage children with the meaning on the printed page. The Introduction discusses children's natural development and how it affects their reading interests and behaviors. The first chapter, "Reading and Sharing…

This packet contains 12 family literacy activities to encourage parents in adult literacy classes in Alberta, Canada to help their children learn to read and write. Each one-page activity provides tips for conducting the activity and information for parents. The following activities are included: (1) read aloud; (2) encourage family activities;…

This handbook presents annotated "snapshots" of 10 innovative family literacy programs, almost all of which were begun by an individual with a vision of a new way to solve a demanding educational problem. Profiles depict, in terms of background, characteristics, evidence of success, and advice to policymakers and practitioners, the: (1)…

This videotape generates enthusiasm by showing participants an overview of the goals and benefits of the Parents Sharing Books Program. It features parents, teachers, and principals who are involved in book-sharing programs in their schools. By watching the videotape, parents will see book-sharing strategies and motivational techniques and hear…

A traditional part of American education has been to include the families in the educational process of their children. The needs and complexities of today's families and classrooms have never been greater. Programs and activities used with families, and school interactions 10 to 15 years ago are not effective for today's complex families and…

This manual is a resource book for organizers and leaders and parent groups who want to explore specific strategies to use in modeling the kind of behavior that will help children do better in school. The guide contains material necessary to conduct a 1- or 1.5-hour session which reinforces the idea that parents are their children's most…

This book is part of a series that helps parents choose books for their children and talk with them about books in ways that actively engage children with the meaning on the printed page. The introduction notes that it is important for parents to continue sharing books with their children at this age (12 to 14 years). The first chapter, "Reading…

This bilingual multimedia program was developed to provide preschool educators with the tools needed to help preschoolers develop literacy skills and to involve parents in the process. Contained in this English- and Spanish-language program are the following: (1) a bilingual videocassette for use with adults in parent workshops to help them…

No one denies that students have many more distractions today than in days gone by. The need for family involvement in a child's reading progress joins a surge in American society for parents to take more responsibility for their children's character and in the condition of their communities. Some hints for parents in establishing family literacy…

This series of booklets, each one focusing on a different topic, is intended for parents and children to read together as they listen to the companion audiotape that accompanies each booklet. Each booklet answers practical questions from parents, describes activities that can be undertaken at home, notes some books for parents and children, and…

This series of booklets is intended for parents and children to share, reading the booklets together as they listen to the companion tape for each booklet. Each booklet (focusing on a particular topic) answers practical questions from parents, describes activities that can be used at home, notes some books for parents and children, and contains…

This guide is designed to help facilitators tailor the Reach and Teach program to their clients' individual needs. Reach and Teach is a family literacy project designed to improve the parenting and basic skills of clients of family agencies in Pinellas County, Florida. The program emphasizes enhancing the parent's role as the child's nurturer and…

This manual is a resource book for organizers and leaders and parent groups who want to explore specific strategies to use in helping children do better on tests. The guide contains material necessary to conduct a 1- or 1.5-hour session on how parents can help children become better test-takers and reduce their test anxiety. The guide includes:…