This document evaluates a series of weekly activity guides developed for families of at-risk preschool children. The purpose of the guides was to increase communication between teachers and families, the amount of time families spent with their children on developmentally appropriate learning activities, and parental understanding of…

"Family Connections 1" consists of 30 four-page issues for families of children aged 3-5 years. Each issue begins with a front-page message to families on such topics as parents as first teachers or how children learn through play. Issues also feature activities for families to do together and selections to read aloud to children. A…

Given the help they want and need, families do spend time with their young children in developmentally appropriate learning activities. Following a successful experience with Family Connections 1, the Rural Excel Program at the Appalachia Educational Laboratory (AEL) developed a second volume of 22 colorful, four-page guides to learning, designed…