In working with adults, as with children, it is important to remember that everyone learns things differently. Some people are Kinesthetic learners (learn by doing), some are Auditory learners (learn by hearing), some are Visual learners (learn by seeing), and some are a combination of all of these. Be aware that some parents might want to discuss the handouts you give them (auditory learners) while others may want to “pop in” if possible to watch (visual learners) what happens during a Family Literacy session. There may be parents who just decide to “trial and error” some Family Literacy activities at home and see what happens (kinesthetic learners). If you remain tolerant, flexible and professional in your approach to working with parents you will find ways to communicate with them and get them the information they need in the most useful format possible.

Finally, remember that Family Literacy is about learning and encouraging the learning process. It is also about having fun while doing so! It is primarily an Adult Education issue; as Childcare professionals you are in a unique position to affect the lives of the children you work with as well as influence the lives of their parents. There is a growing awareness that the lives of children will not change unless the lives of their parents/guardians change. The work you do in promoting Family Literacy does not have to take much time to yield good results. If even a small number of families’ lives change for the better (more reading at home, more attention to children’s verbal skill development, adults deciding to return to learning…) you will have succeeded.

Data collected from the survey conducted by S.C.C.A. and READ Saskatoon reinforced the fact that many people working in childcare feel they should have some knowledge about family literacy issues and what to do about it.