Family Literacy Movement

Family literacy refers to parent/family interactions with children occurring at home or in the community that support the child’s early literacy learning. Contemporary educational research provides evidence that all parents and families are capable of contributing to the early literacy growth and development of children. The manner in which parents define their roles might differ according to prior formal education experiences, cultural models, discourse practices, and aspirations for their child. This entry discusses the growing prominence of family literacy research across multiple disciplines, the theoretical shift that has occurred within the field of family literacy research, and how this shift has created a space to consider families’ cultural literacy practices. Particular attention is afforded to the discussion of current research findings related to family literacy.