The Eighth International Literacy & Education Research Network Conference on

SPETSES, GREECE
4-8 July 2001

Professor Margaret McNamara

Co-Director Reading and Literacy Program, Bank Street College of Education, New York, USA

Rena Rice

Professor, Coordinator of Training, Institute for Child Care Continuum, Bank Street College of Education, New York, USA

" Read Me a Story, Please!":
The Role of Parents, Guardians and Caregivers in Children's Literacy Development

Abstract

Research indicates that family involvement in children's learning is a major predictor of school success. In this workshop presentation, two graduate school professors will present a theoretical framework for examining the diverse roles that parents, guardians and caregivers play in the literacy lives of preschool and elementary school children. Through our research and practice with graduate students in teacher education, working teachers, parents and child caregivers, we have developed effective strategies that support adults in enhancing children's literacy growth.

This session will be interactive. Participants will experience and analyze literacy practices within a variety of language and socio-cultural contexts, such as using environmental print, reading to children, and word play through poetry, songs and games. Our expectation for this workshop is that participants will expand their knowledge and techniques for involving families in their children's education.

Bionote

Margaret McNamara is a Co-director of the Reading and Literacy Program at Bank Street College of Education. In addition, she supervises teachers in field placements who are specializing in reading and writing. Margaret teaches a range of literacy courses which prepare teachers to work with children who have diverse learning needs and has presented her own literacy research.

Rena Rice is a member of the Bank Street College Graduate School Faculty in early childhood and elementary teacher education. She teaches a graduate course in family-school partnerships. In addition, Rena is the Coordinator of Training, Institute for Child Care Continuum and has made numerous presentations across the United States on issues of child care and family support.

Presentation Type
60 min. Workshop

Presentation Equipment and Other Requests
vcr/TV
overhead

Speaking Date/Time Restrictions

Country
USA