“Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world.”― Napoleon

There are circumstances where it can be difficult for a family to engage in literacy due reasons such as poverty and/or the English language translation. However, there are some excellent programs available for support. Today I want to continue from my earlier writing and give you another powerful tip that can facilitate and support your child’s advancement in literacy. It is the American Library Association (ALA) Family Literary Focus.

Family literacy, as a main national movement started in the late 1980’s. This was in response to a 1983 report titled, A Nation at Risk, issued by the National Commission on Excellence in Education. The report, which was generated from an eighteen-month study and focused primarily on secondary education, found the state of American Education, was very bad.

Part of the report’s findings showed that “Some 23 million American adults are functionally illiterate by the simplest test of everyday reading, writing, and comprehension. About 13 percent of all 17-year olds in the United States can be considered functionally illiterate.”

The report also found that the best predictor of a child’s success in school was the mother’s level of education. This resulted in the idea of making school success a family issue. So a new model was created that contained four components; children’s literacy activities, adult literacy instruction, family time, and parenting classes.

During January 2010, the American Library Association (ALA) and the ALA 2009-2010 President, Dr. Camila Alire, started the Family Literary Focus. Its objective is to encourage families in ethnically diverse communities to read and learn together.[6] The ethnic affiliates include:

• The American Indian Library Association (AILA)
• The Asian/Pacific Americans Library Association (APALA)
• The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)
• The Chinese-American Library Association (CALA)
• National Association Promoting Library & Information Services to Latinos & the Spanish Speaking (REFORMA)

The history of Family literacy programming can be traced back to your local library. It started when the children’s librarian picked out her favorite picture book. Then she gathered both the children and parents in an area where she read the book aloud. Naturally, the children were mesmerized with the illustrations and enjoyed the text. It’s also a safe bet to say that the parents were just very happy to finally get a few moments of relaxation.

So take a look at the American Library Association (ALA) Family Literary Focus. Here is the link for your reference …

http://www.ala.org/advocacy/literacy/earlyliteracy/famlitfocus

Related Posts

Powerful Tips on Family Literacy Support Services (Part 1) (September 12, 2014) https://www.kobeemanatee.com/powerful-tips-on-family-literacy-support-services-part-1/

Reading to Preschool Children – One of the Most Important Steps Parents Can Do (July 1, 2014) https://www.kobeemanatee.com/reading-to-preschool-children-one-of-the-most-important-steps-parents-can-do/

Harness the Power of Picture Books (July 22, 2014) https://www.kobeemanatee.com/harness-the-power-of-picture-books/

8 Ways Picture Books Meet Young Children’s Needs – Part 1 (July 29, 2014)https://www.kobeemanatee.com/8-ways-picture-books-meet-young-childrens-needs-part-1/

~ Robert Scott Thayer