Argues that making ethnic-specific literature integral to the literature program enhances a sense of community. Describes ways of exploring and reading ethnic-specific literature, and lists some titles for adults, young adults, and children. Offers criteria for selecting books, and suggests ways to create a community of readers using literature…

Offers ways for early childhood and elementary teachers to explore a family's use of and priorities for literacy. Includes ethnographic vignettes emphasizing strategies for viewing families neutrally and avoiding assumptions and judgment. Asserts that to understand the family's literacy experiences and priorities will more closely connect…

Describes a parent participation project in which students wrote a biography about a parent or guardian. Offers a list of family projects for each month of the school year. (SR)

Reviews six doctoral dissertations currently in progress or completed during 1993 that may be of interest to those in the school library media field. Topics include technology; information seeking; literacy; the portrayal of African American males in realistic fiction picture books; and the role of youth services librarians. (KRN)

Describes the Weber State University/Standard Examiner family literacy project which addresses low level literacy skills in adults and preliteracy skills in children. Children and parents are separated for certain learning experiences then reunited for "Parent and Child Together" time. Other segments of the program are described. (SM)

Describes how one first-grade teacher developed and carried out a parental involvement program in which parents and children engaged in literate activities during the school day with emphasis on combining the strengths of home literacy with school. Notes the success of the program based on the deep caring of these parents (largely low-income and…

This article examines the broad array of adult literacy program alternatives currently available. These include government-funded adult education programs, such as Adult Basic Education and Even Start, volunteer programs such as Laubach Literacy Action and Literacy Volunteers of America, business and industry sponsored programs, community-based…

The Marie-Victorin school board, in cooperation with 11 community organizations in Longueuil, Quebec, launched "De A a Z, On s'aide!," a project designed to encourage an interest in reading and writing in families with children 0-4 years old and break the recurrent cycle of illiteracy that plagues poor neighborhoods. (TD)

Describes how urban parents and their first graders engaged in literacy activities during the school day with emphasis on combining the strengths of home literacy and school. Data from observations and interviews indicated that parents genuinely cared about their children's education. Discusses parent participation levels, teacher roles, elements…

Examines family literacy programs worldwide. Describes how principles of family literacy are reflected in the programs' intergenerational nature and flexibility. Describes strengths of such programs, including the inclusion of all family members, community participation, the accommodation to varying family interests and needs, provision of…

Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina serves a rapidly growing Hispanic population through its Family-Centered Literacy Program. The Hispanic population in the region has been increasing at a staggering rate of 50% per year, most of which is in-migration. These newcomers frequently face challenges adjusting to their jobs,…

Three assumptions frame this study (a) preservice teachers who enjoy reading foster positive attitudes towards reading, (b) life-long reading habits are developed during formative years, and (c) these preservice teachers convey reading strategies that encourage success across content strands. This study examines the relationship between literacy…

This article reports on the effects of a family literacy program for first graders that had three main characteristics: (1) book reading with parents that adapts parental intervention to the child's gradually increasing skills in reading during the school year, (2) support for writing activities, and (3) enjoyable home activities complementing the…

This packet contains 12 family literacy activities to encourage parents in adult literacy classes in Alberta, Canada to help their children learn to read and write. Each one-page activity provides tips for conducting the activity and information for parents. The following activities are included: (1) read aloud; (2) encourage family activities;…

This report presents the findings of the annual evaluation of the Even Start Family Literacy program conducted during the 1989-1990 program year. Chapter 1 of the report describes the nature and purpose of Even Start, a 4-year national effort intended to improve the educational opportunities of children and adults by integrating early childhood…