Introduction
Low literacy levels in public schools are an urgent issue affecting millions of children across the country. According to recent studies, about 70% percent of 4th graders in the nations public schools are reading below the National Assessment of Educational Progress proficient levels (The Nation's Report Card, 2022), which can have long-term consequences on their academic and personal development. While schools work hard to address this issue, parental roles in supporting literacy is often misunderstood and complicated, leaving students, parents, teachers and school districts frustrated at the outcomes. Since parent-child involvement in reading is a powerful way to boost literacy, how do we truly engage families effectively?
Understanding the Literacy Crisis
Many public schools, especially in underserved communities, face significant challenges in providing quality literacy education. Limited resources, large class sizes, and the lack of individualized attention can contribute to children falling behind in reading. Teachers simply do not have the means to disperse their individual attention towards students falling behind in the classroom, and current policies plow the students towards advancements in areas they are simply not ready for, such as passing students who need more time with the required content. Third grade is the turning point from learning to read, to reading to learn. Therefore, studies show that children who struggle with reading by third grade, will likely struggle in academics the rest of their lives if immediate, personalized intervention does not take place (Bauld, 2023). According to the data found in the Nation's Report Card, our rates are a cause for worry in regards to student's capabilities.
The Role of Parents in Literacy Development
There is hope though! Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers. Research consistently shows that when parents are actively involved in their children’s literacy education, children are more likely to excel in all other areas of academia all while establishing a bonding relationship to each other which aids in cognitive, emotional, and autonomous development (Tomampoc & Abarquez, 2023). These are all essential contributing factors towards raising a resilient individual who will succeed not only in the classroom, but in life as well. Therefore, involvement doesn’t stop at school—families can and should incorporate literacy into daily routines, turning every moment into a learning opportunity. Parent-involvement may just be the sweet key to mitigating this literacy crisis in our public schools acting as prevention and intervention measures.
How You Can Help
We, teachers, business owners, leaders, and parents must all take social responsibility on this issue in order to see lasting changes. Even if you do not have struggling readers of your own...this will affect you too! Because let's face it we all know that these young learners and readers will be tomorrows eventual leaders! Help raise awareness through joining the conversation, participating in the cause, and investing in the future of these little lives! Stay tuned in learning how our company and others like ours can help your family or the families of those in your sphere of influence, Grow as you Go!
You don’t need to be a teacher or parent to support a child's literacy journey. Make reading a regular, enjoyable part of daily life, through immersing children in the world of literature. By taking small steps every day, families can help bridge the literacy gap and ensure that their children thrive no matter their current life circumstance.
What are the largest barriers towards effective parent-child involvement?
Write an answer
References
Bauld, A. (2023). Reading In The Balance: Love It Or Hate It, The Science Of Reading Gains Traction In
Schools. School Library Journal, 69(5), 32. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?
Tomampoc, R. J., & Abarquez, C. (2023). Parental Involvement as Instructional Support in Answering Self-Learning Module (SLM). Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 14(5), 533-543.
U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education
Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2022 Reading Assessment.
Commentaires