What do parents perceive to be effective characteristics of a family literacy program? An action research project

Abstract

This study examined how a Grade 1/2 teacher implemented a family literacy program for the families of the children in her class. Using action research, this research study asked the question, “What do parents perceive to be effective characteristics of a family literacy program?” The researcher implemented a family literacy program for a six-week period in her classroom. Before beginning the study, the researcher invited parents to participate in an information evening designed to provide ideas and strategies for reading with their child at home. After the six-week study period, data was collected in the form of a survey. Through literature review, analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, and reflecting on the feedback from participants, this study provided the researcher with information to guide the development of her family literacy program. The data collected during this study showed that parents found the family literacy program effective when children were able to choose their own books and were taking books home every night.