Family Literacy Project
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What is . . . Literacy?

Until quite recently, literacy was generally defined in a very limited way--as the ability to read or write one's own name, for example. A much more ambitious definition of literacy today includes the capacity to accomplish a wide range of reading, writing, and other language tasks associated with everyday life. The National Literacy Act of 1991, for example, defines literacy as an "individual's ability to read, write, and speak in English and compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job and in society, to achieve one's goals, and to develop one's knowledge and potential. (Standards for the English Language Arts, by the National Council of Teachers of English, and the International Reading Association)

Family Literacy

Family literacy encompasses the ways parents, children, and extended family members use literacy at home and in their community. Sometimes, family literacy occurs naturally during the routines of daily living and helps adults and children "get things done." These events might include using drawings or writings to share ideas; composing notes or letters to communicate messages; making lists; reading and following directions; or sharing stories and ideas through conversation, reading, writing. Family literacy may be initiated purposefully by a parent or may occur spontaneously as parents and children go about the business of their daily lives. Family literacy activities may also reflect the ethnic, racial, or cultural heritage of the families involved. (Morrow, Paratore, & Tracey, 1994).

Vision For Family Literacy

The term "Family Literacy" has been a concept used in a variety of ways, but loosely covers the varying relationships and practices exchanged between home and school and the practices for reading and writing within the home. It is our goal to empower teachers in each young child's life . . . the ones in their classrooms and the ones in their homes. We believe "Literacy begins at home and then extends to school." We believe, and research demonstrates, that this existing relationship between the literacy practices at home and at school are critically related to the literacy development of our children. The home and school connection needs to be powerful, practical, pertinent, positive, and responsive to the young readers today. It is our goal to provide families and educators with the necessary encouragement and to support valuable, life-long reading habits.

Benjamin Franklin was once asked what condition of man he thought deserved the most pity. He answered almost immediately: "A lonesome man on a rainy day who does not know how to read." The Family Literacy Project wants all children to have the choice to read on any day, rainy or not. It is our commitment to future generations of competent, literate people that compels us to provide the essential aspects of reading/writing to our most valued allies--teachers and parents. To this end, the Family Literacy Project will encourage, build, support, and sustain successful practices in literacy development at home and at school.

IUSD tips for parents helping children learn to read: