13.1 Strategies for involving families in literacy development

Family engagement is crucial for supporting children's literacy development. Teachers can use various strategies to connect with families, from regular communication to interactive events. These approaches help bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Overcoming barriers to family engagement is key for fostering a supportive learning environment. By addressing common obstacles like time constraints and language differences, schools can create inclusive spaces where all families feel welcome and empowered to participate in their children's literacy journey.

Family Engagement Strategies

Strategies for family literacy engagement

Top images from around the web for Strategies for family literacy engagement

• 

  Parent teacher conferences & partnerships View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Digital Literacy Framework – Parent Engagement View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Impact of teacher-parent communication: Research on "underutilized potential" - Journalist's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Parent teacher conferences & partnerships View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Digital Literacy Framework – Parent Engagement View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Strategies for family literacy engagement

• 

  Parent teacher conferences & partnerships View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Digital Literacy Framework – Parent Engagement View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Impact of teacher-parent communication: Research on "underutilized potential" - Journalist's ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Parent teacher conferences & partnerships View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Digital Literacy Framework – Parent Engagement View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Establish regular, two-way communication channels facilitate ongoing dialogue between teachers and families
  • Newsletters provide updates on classroom activities and upcoming events
  • Email updates offer a convenient way to share information and resources
  • Parent-teacher conferences allow for personalized discussions about student progress and goals
  • Phone calls or text messages enable quick check-ins and reminders
• Use clear, jargon-free language in all communications ensures messages are accessible and easily understood by all families
• Provide translations for families with limited English proficiency promotes inclusivity and ensures all families can access important information
• Share positive updates and progress reports, not just concerns, builds trust and encourages ongoing engagement
• Offer multiple ways for families to communicate their questions or feedback accommodates different preferences and needs
  • In-person meetings allow for face-to-face discussions and relationship-building
  • Written notes provide a record of communication and allow for thoughtful responses
  • Online platforms or apps (ClassDojo, Seesaw) offer convenient, real-time communication options

Design of family literacy events

• Plan interactive, hands-on activities that model literacy strategies engage families in learning and demonstrate effective practices
  • Read-alouds with discussion prompts showcase strategies for engaging children in books and building comprehension skills
  • Writing workshops provide opportunities for families to create and share stories together
  • Vocabulary games introduce fun ways to build language skills at home
• Schedule events at various times to accommodate different family schedules increases accessibility and participation
  • Evenings (6:00-8:00 pm) allow working parents to attend after work hours
  • Weekends (Saturday mornings) provide options for families with weekday commitments
• Provide childcare or family-friendly activities to encourage attendance removes barriers for families with young children
• Collaborate with community partners to offer resources and support expands the network of support available to families
  • Libraries offer free access to books, technology, and literacy programs
  • Literacy organizations (Reading Is Fundamental, First Book) provide materials and expertise
• Gather feedback from families to inform future event planning ensures activities are responsive to families' needs and interests

Resources for home literacy support

• Create take-home activity kits aligned with classroom learning reinforces skills and concepts taught at school
  • Leveled books (decodable texts, high-interest nonfiction) provide appropriate reading practice
  • Writing prompts inspire creative storytelling and self-expression
  • Word games (crossword puzzles, word searches) build vocabulary and spelling skills
• Develop tip sheets or videos demonstrating literacy strategies equip families with practical tools and ideas
  • Reading aloud with expression models fluency and engages children in stories
  • Asking open-ended questions (What do you think will happen next? How would you feel if...?) promotes critical thinking and comprehension
  • Providing positive feedback (I like how you sounded out that tricky word!) encourages effort and builds confidence
• Curate a list of recommended books, apps, and online resources (Epic!, Starfall) offers high-quality, engaging literacy materials for home use
• Offer workshops on using everyday activities to build literacy skills empowers families to support learning in authentic contexts
  • Cooking involves reading recipes, measuring ingredients, and following directions
  • Grocery shopping provides opportunities to read labels, compare prices, and make lists
  • Outdoor play encourages storytelling, imaginative language use, and problem-solving

Overcoming Barriers to Family Engagement

Barriers to family engagement

• Identify common barriers to family engagement in literacy activities and events
  • Time constraints due to work schedules, childcare needs, or other commitments
  • Language differences between home and school can hinder communication and understanding
  • Cultural differences in expectations, values, or communication styles may lead to misunderstandings or discomfort
  • Lack of transportation can prevent families from attending in-person events
  • Limited access to technology (devices, internet) can hinder participation in virtual activities
• Offer flexible scheduling and multiple participation options accommodate diverse needs and preferences
  1. In-person events scheduled at varying times (mornings, evenings, weekends)
  2. Virtual workshops that allow for remote participation
  3. Asynchronous activities that can be completed on families' own schedules
• Provide language support and translation services ensure all families can access information and participate fully
  • Bilingual staff or volunteers facilitate communication and understanding
  • Translated materials (handouts, newsletters, website content) make information accessible
• Build relationships and trust with families create a welcoming, inclusive school environment
  • Welcome families into the classroom for volunteer opportunities, observations, or special events
  • Engage in active listening to understand families' perspectives, concerns, and goals
  • Show respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences through culturally responsive practices
• Partner with community organizations to address resource needs connect families with additional support and services
  • Literacy programs (adult education classes, family literacy nights) build skills and confidence
  • Adult education classes (English language learning, GED preparation) support parents' educational goals
  • Social services (food banks, housing assistance, healthcare referrals) address basic needs that may impact engagement