This literature review has been developed as part of a larger project which will result in the development of a provincial framework for Family Literacy in New Brunswick.
This purpose of this document is to:
What do we mean by family literacy and why does it matter?
One of the outcomes of the 2007 Forum on Family Literacy hosted by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick was the discovery that “we did not even have a shared definition of family literacy to work from”. Participants recognized that a common understanding of what we mean by family literacy would make it easier to communicate and work collaboratively towards a common goal. A definition carries with it underlying principles and beliefs that profoundly influence how we shape our family literacy programs.
Arriving at a common definition of family literacy is not merely an academic exercise. The way in which we define family literacy has significant implications for program practice, policy and funding.
Defining “family literacy” is, and should be, an on-going conversation. For the purpose of the New Brunswick Family Literacy Forum 2008 Advisory Committee:
Family literacy refers to the literacy practices of parents, children and family members as they go about their daily lives and negotiate relationships both within the family and between the family and the broader community.
The literacy practices of the broader community influence and are influenced by the literacy practices of families.
Family literacy practices are diverse, socially embedded and culture specific.