ABE-GED

What is Family Literacy?

Family literacy programs are designed to help adults to develop literacy skills while promoting the learning success of their children. Reading together builds confidence for low-literacy parents who might be reluctant to read to other adults, provides a positive model of literacy to children, and fosters parent-child bonding.

By supporting adult literacy, early childhood education and parenting skills, family literacy programs aim to break the cycle of intergenerational illiteracy. National Center for Family Literacy

Family Literacy Programs have four major components:

Adult Education

Adult education classes include English language classes, preparation for the General Education Development (GED) examination, and basic literacy. 

• Instruction includes a combination of individual and group activities, and encourages cooperative learning;
• Assessment, both formal and informal, occurs on an ongoing basis to provide adult students feedback about progress they’ve made toward goals; and
• Adult education builds upon the knowledge, experiences, and roles of participating adults (parent, employee, community member), and recognizes that long-term self-sufficiency is supported by the development of workplace skills.

Early Childhood Education

Early childhood education supports the growth and development of children birth to eight years of age. This component promotes the following practices:

• Participating children are supported in all domains of their development;
• Parents are welcome as full partners in their children’s education; and
• The learning environment supports the home culture and language of families.

Parent and Child Together (PACT) Time

The PACT time promotes parent-child interaction while supporting the literacy development of participating children. Key elements include:

• A focus on the literacy development and growth of children;
• Activities which are easily transferable to the family’s home environment; and
• An emphasis on the role of parents in supporting their child’s development and education.

Parenting Education

Parenting education provides education and support for parents regarding their children’s literacy development. Parenting education is designed to meet the following goals:

• Building partnerships between parents and schools;
• Supporting parents in maintaining literacy-rich home environments; and
• Strengthening parents’ ability to advocate for their children.Colorado Family Literacy Consortium and Center for At-Risk Education, CDE

Why Parent Involvement is Important:

As a parent, you are your child’s first and best teacher. In addition, you are your child’s biggest encourager and champion. Parents know that they have a big impact on their children’s lives; the same is true for reading.

• Read with your child every day!
• Be a model! Show your child that reading is fun!
• Provide your child with books in your home!
• Talk with your child about what you both are reading!

What Parents Can Do to Support Their Child’s Literacy Development:

• Visit libraries and books stores.
• Have a personal library in your home for both you and your child.
• Have a place and a specific time to read.
• Read around the house! Read directions, calendars, recipes, cartoons, and menus.
• Encourage your child to write, and listen to him or her read the writing. Also, write to your own child.
• Show him or her that reading has a purpose.
• Play word games like Scrabble or Boggle. Make a family game night!
• Read and write to your child every day!