Definitions

We know there are many definitions of family literacy and even more descriptions of family literacy programs! AFLO has created the following definitions of common terms for use by family literacy practitioners in Ontario. ^{Footnote 1} It is a good idea, though, for each program to work with its program participants to create definitions that are meaningful to everyone involved.

Family

A family is a group of people who define themselves as family.

Literacy

Literacy is much more than being able to read and write. Literacy allows people to read the world rather than just the word. It involves using the different forms of communication, which gives us further opportunities in our society — for our families, our communities and ourselves. Literacy helps us understand the world we live in. It also helps us understand ourselves and express our identity, our ideas and our cultures.

Emergent literacy

Emergent literacy is about how children learn about reading and writing right from birth. Parents play an important role supporting emergent literacy by turning everyday, natural events into literacy and language learning opportunities.

Family literacy

Family literacy is about the ways families use literacy and language in their daily lives. It is about how families:

• learn
• use literacy to do everyday tasks
• help children develop their emergent literacy
• use literacy to maintain relationships with each other and with the community
• interact with organizations and institutions

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