Literacy Goes to School: The Parents' Role in Young Children's Literacy Learning

Few primary teachers have a chance to find out in detail what children have already learnt, and continue to learn, about literacy at home with their parents. This book gives a clear demonstration of literacy learning that takes place at home, and how it differs from, as well as relates to, literacy at school. It will help teachers to increase their understanding of this process and to build on their relationship with parents. Such understanding, the book shows, can directly enhance children’s literacy performance in school.

The book is based on the author’s study of how more than 40 parents from a variety of backgrounds contributed to their children’s literacy development. The author suggests practical ways for teachers to assess and develop their own practice in relation to home literacy learning. The book includes the author’s Home-School Literacy Evaluation matrix, to help teachers review their contact with parents, and to promote and monitor change.