FAMILIES

RESOURCES

What Really Matters in Family Literacy

Working with the Dr. Sterling McDowell Foundation for Research into Teaching, the goals of this research project are to clarify how family literacy is currently understood in Saskatchewan, identify how family literacy programs are developed, delivered and evaluated in our province, assess the impact of current family literacy programs, and draw conclusions about possible directions for future family literacy programs.

The research will also help to inform provincial policies and programs on family literacy, assist in the development of a network connecting those involved in family literacy, identify valuable practices and programs for family literacy facilitators, and build understanding and support for family literacy Saskatchewan.

Our partners in this project are:

the Dr. Stirling McDowell Foundation for Research into Teaching

READ Saskatoon and Family Literacy

Family literacy is the passing of information from one person to another to help promote a family’s intellectual, emotional, social and educational growth. Family literacy takes place when a trusted adult spends time with a child to enhance their skills, knowledge and experience. It can be the oral tradition of sharing history and stories between an elder or grandparent and a child, following a recipe by a parent and their child, or even the sharing of a story book between siblings. Therefore, family literacy has the potential to be an intricate tool in the growth of the family. (Adapted from the Regina Family Literacy Network, 2006).

Family literacy is not just about reading and writing - it is about building stronger families and healthier communities. Family literacy is about helping parents understand the value of reading and writing in their children’s lives as well as their own. This is especially true today, because literacy weaves through all aspects of family and community life – health, employment, education, social welfare and justice. Literacy is the foundation for all other learning.

READ Saskatoon is supported by the Government of Saskatchewan and SaskEnergy in our commitment to dedicate 50% of our family literacy time and resources to introduce family literacy to the community, share information, support and share resources with agencies and schools currently offer family literacy programs and facilitate networking opportunities to help further family literacy in our community. The remainder of resources provided are used to offer programs directly to our learners and families.

Our partners in family literacy are: