Family Literacy: Schools and Families of Young Children Working Together

Abstract

This paper examines ways in which schools and their communities might work together to support young children's literacy development as they make the transition from home to school. Recent research in the area of family literacy is discussed and the terms ‘literacy’ and ‘family literacy’ defined. Implications and recommendations for schools are discussed in terms of a participatory, empowering model of family literacy. This model is illustrated by examples from a recent family literacy initiative conducted by the author. Jenny Jayatilaka completed this research as part of her Masters degree at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. She has been an early childhood educator for more than 20 years.