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II. Overview of Family Literacy
Definitions
For those new to this field, one of the first things evident is that
there is no universally accepted definition of family literacy. The
number and diversity of programs operating towards the goal of
improving literacy skills within the family as a whole contributes to
the range of definitions available. The International Reading
Association's Family Literacy Commission offers the following as
considerations in defining family literacy:
- Family literacy encompasses the way parents, children, and
extended family members use literacy at home and in their community.
- Family literacy occurs naturally during the routines of daily
living and helps adults and children "get things done."
- Examples of family literacy might include using drawings or
writings to share ideas; composing notes or letters to communicate
messages; keeping records; making lists; reading and following
directions; or sharing stories and ideas through conversation,
reading, and writing.
- Family literacy may be initiated purposefully by a parent, or
may occur spontaneously as parents and children go about the
business of their daily lives.
- Family literacy activities may also reflect the ethnic, racial,
or cultural heritage of the families involved.
- Family literacy activities may be initiated by outside
institutions or agencies. These activities are often intended to
support the acquisition and development of school-like literacy
behaviours of parents, children, and families.
- Family literacy activities initiated by outside agencies may
include family storybook reading, completing homework assignments,
or writing essays or reports.
(Family Literacy: New Perspectives, New Opportunities)
In contrast, Katherine Ryan (1991) proposes a definition for family
literacy programs based on the following characteristics:
The program is conceptualized around the concerns
of the family as a unit in contrast to serving only an individual
family member.
Program components are developed on the basis of
the community needs assessment and participant recommendation. |