Foreword

"I really enjoyed the classes that I took on reading to my child.... The most important thing that we learned is that reading to your kids is very important, and to show them that you do it and enjoy it, too." Terry-Lynn, adult basic education student and participant In the Red Deer Family Reading Program In 1994.

Family literacy is gaining momentum across Alberta and beyond. Many of us are attracted to the concept because of its simplicity: Children's attitudes toward literacy and teaming are shaped in their first years. We can assist and support families in making those early experiences positive.

We may have been convinced of the worth of family literacy while attending conference sessions, talking to colleagues, or reading published articles. Those of us Interested in starting a program want to know about the programs already In existence, but we may not actually have time to research them. What is Involved in starting a family literacy program?

That's where this publication comes in. It's intended to provide practical, stepby-step information on how to set up a family literacy program. It is also intended to provide support to existing family literacy initiatives. The guide should be helpful for preparing grant proposals and for demonstrating the need for programs to potential collaborators.

The guide provides a rationale for family literacy programs as well as information about the history of family literacy and a description of program models. The information presented also includes such topics as community collaborations, resources, evaluation methods, and contacts in existing programs.

We hope you will find the guide to be useful and informative. Best wishes for successful and longlived family literacy programs!

Family Literacy Action Group of Alberta