Everyone knows how important it is to read to young children--but it is the "quality" of shared reading that really affects emergent literacy. How well are adults engaging and teaching children as they read together? How well are children listening and responding? The first and only tool to measure the quality of adult and child interactions…

Designed to be a resource guide for parents, teachers, and policymakers, this book traces the historical development of family literacy and provides an overview of the field in the United States. It includes discussions of more than 100 sources about family literacy. The book presents specific information about particular family literacy programs…

Noting the time parents can spend with their children in literacy activities is often limited, identifies and describes eight principles upon which the success of parent-child literacy efforts appear to hinge, such as (1) regular daily time, (2) purpose and motivation, and (3) real literacy activity. (NH)

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, "Getting Started," notes that it is important for parents to continue sharing books with their children at this age. The first chapter,…

Designed to be used independently by parents or other family members with their preschool or kindergarten-age children, this book presents (in easy-to-read cartoon-style letters) specific ideas for developing literacy skills during day-to-day activities. The book provides practice for children in the following skills: 1) life skills (such as…

For parents of young children, this packet offers ideas of things to do at home to help in the development of children's reading and writing. The packet discusses how children learn and how parents can help; shows the stages a child goes through in learning to write; offers ideas for activities parents and children can do together; explains how…

The most important thing that parents can do to help their children become ready to read and to learn is to read aloud to them. This brief provides guidance for parents in facilitating their child's emerging abilities. Suggestions for parents include talking with infants and young children before they learn to read, setting aside a reading time…

Family literacy programs are developed on the premise that the important relationships between children and adults affect literacy achievement and activity. The programs bring parents and children together in a teaching and learning environment. The critical teacher in a child's life is the parent. Family programs support and strengthen family…

By encouraging, supporting, and nurturing a young child's development, parents can make their child's first learning experiences pleasant and fruitful. As the child's most important teacher, parents can help their children make a smooth transition from home to school. If parents trust their instincts, remain patient, and provide plenty of…

Based on the idea that parents are the first and most important teachers, this bilingual (Spanish/English) book offers 101 practical and fun-to-do activities that children and parents can do together. This edition provides a preface by Professor Josefina Villamil Tinajero and additional information of particular interest to Latino parents. The…

This handbook offers guidance and support for parents in their efforts to foster the growth and development of reading skills in their children. Each section of the handbook deals with a separate educational level (early childhood, primary grades, and intermediate grades), and includes an introduction, a skills development section, an activities…

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;…