Enhancing the reading abilities begins at home, according to "Family Literacy: From Theory to Practice" by Andrea Debruin-Parecki and Barbara Krol-Sinclair. Developing family literacy ideas and strategies also brings a family closer through the process of reading together.
Family Reading Night
Setting aside one evening a week as family reading night is an ideal way to hook the entire crew into the enjoyment of books and the written word, according to "Family Reading Night" by Darcy J. Hutchins, Marsha Greenfeld and Joyce Epstein. The key is selecting books that are accessible to the entire family. Depending on the age of your children, and the interests of all family members, some give and take is required. Each family member must be involved in the selection process.
Books and Movies
Living in the digital age, with so much visual entertainment on the Internet and elsewhere, combining books and movies as part of a comprehensive family literacy plan is one way to get the whole family excited about reading. Read a book and then view a film made from the text. You can even introduce your family to classic works. For example, iconic works of American literature like "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is also a highly regarded film starring Gregory Peck.
Literacy Classes
Family literacy programs are now available in many communities. These programs ideally are suited to parents who want to enhance their literacy skills and children who are beginning to learn to read, according to The National Institute for Literacy. School districts and other types of not-for-profit agencies sponsor or can make referrals to to these types of programs.
References
- "Family Literacy: From Theory to Practice"; Andrea Debruin-Parecki & Barbara Krol-Sinclair; 2003
- "Family Reading Night"; Darcy J. Hutchins, Marsha Greenfeld & Joyce Epstein; 2007
- The National Institute for Literacy
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