K-3

1. Why is it important to bridge family literacy with school literacy?

Students bring with them a cultural background that can help all children learn. Students will better understand others' cultures if they feel validated and respected in their own culture. Parents and teacher and students are all partners in learning and in making the learning experience valid.

2. In what ways do classroom activities mirror family literacy practices.?

Many classrooms have "living room areas" with things like a comfortable carpet and rocking chair to mirror family reading at home. Many classrooms and homes have a designated time in which everybody reads. Informal discussion takes place about the texts. 3. In what ways do classroom activities not mirror family literacy practices.? Raising hands before you speak out in a discussion.

The giving of grades makes everything more formal. Families don't usually do worksheets or book reports as they do in schools. Families don't usually extend book learning with activities that go along with books. Families don't do Center-type activities that involve books. 4. How can I find out more about the family literacy practices of my students?

Ask them! Then listen! Also, I can ask parents at parent orientation or ask them to answer an interactive newsletter. I could do a home visit, but in all honesty, I probably won't unless they make me teacher at Franklin. I could have students write about it and read and listen to what they say.

5. What stands in the way of students becoming motivated to read and write beyond homework?

6. What new thinking is surfacing?