Introduction
Any of the proven pedagogical methods for teaching early literacy should not be neglected. The use of literacy bags addresses family involvement, instilling a love of learning, and controlling homeschooling. This paper provides a detailed and illustrative look at the topic of literacy bags.
Literacy Bag: What is it?
Literacy instruction has been successfully implemented by families outside of school. A literacy bag is a physical set of useful teaching materials. The contents of the bag depending on the topic being taught and the teacher’s intentions. The bags are regularly updated to keep learning relevant.
Growth of Family Involvement
Among others, literacy bags strengthen the parent-teacher relationship by embracing four positive goals at once. Forming partnerships: both parents and teachers are interested in achieving a common outcome but have individual spectrums of responsibility. Developing an economic approach: the literacy sack lending system raises issues such as respect, collaboration, and accountability.
Strengthening parent-child relationships: this allows for a connection between child and adult, which will eventually have a positive effect on the teacher-pupil relationship as well. Informing parents: from the teacher, parents can learn about various useful sources and use them in their homeschooling practices.
Advantages for: Child
- practicing one’s knowledge;
- improving specific literacy skills;
- developing trusting relationships with adults;
- learning to do tasks on their outside of school;
- fun activities.
Advantages for: Parents
- building a constructive relationship with the teacher ;
- deepening into the culture of the classroom, awareness of the quality of education ;
- personal mentoring of the child;
- overcoming socio-economic segregation;
- opportunity to be involved despite hard work.
Advantages for: Teacher
- building trusting relationships;
- removing part of the pedagogical load;
- one way of involving the family;
- creative realization of pedagogical potential.
Interaction with the Family
Effective communication with parents can be accomplished through three different formats:
- visiting the school in person at a convenient time: ineffective;
- telephone: useful, but not always convenient;
- text correspondence: the best option, taking into account timeliness and recording of results.
References
- Akil, K. (2020). Family literacy bags for preschoolers. Provlib. Web.
- Family literacy bags. (2017). Utah State University. Web.
- Good Overton, A. (2017). Family literacy bags: A rural-appalachian approach for parental involvement and education. Web.
- Literacy backpacks. (2017). Calgary Reads. Web.