Family Literacy

LITERACY RESOURCES

Each edition of Literacy Links features some of the materials recently added to the Clearinghouse. All of these materials are available for loan. Borrowers must be affiliated with a program providing adult education services. Annotated bibliographies of the literacy resources are available. Availability depends on Clearinghouse supplies. Call the Clearinghouse to request materials, information, or bibliographies at:
(800) 441-7323 or (979) 845-6615

Outcomes and Measures in Family Literacy Programs
National Center for Family Literacy (1996).

If you are looking for assessment information, this is the book. The first several chapters discuss the terms, concepts, and issues. The bulk of the book covers tests, inventories, and checklists for adults, families, and children. Each test entry includes a description, instructions for administration, scoring, information regarding reliability, validity, price, and gives information on placing an order to purchase.

Frontiers in Family Learning: A Showcase of Exemplary Family Literacy Programs
Goethel, Jan et al (1996)

This book discusses general information about family literacy programs. It does this by using successful programs as their examples. The book covers subjects such as program profiles, essential components, community involvement, special features, and additional resources. A good source of information and ideas for new and old family literacy programs.

A Guide to Developing Community-Based Family Support Programs
Epstein, Ann S. et al (1995)

This book is a wealth of information and ideas for designing a family literacy program. It is divided into five sections: An Overview of Family Support Programs; Getting Started; Designing the Program; Implementing the Program; and Evaluating the Program. These sections discuss topics such as the history of family support programs, identifying a client population, timing of services, establishing and maintaining ties with families, coordination within and across agencies, and designing, conducting, and using the evaluation. A wonderful source of ideas for new and established family literacy programs.

Heart to Heart: Family Reading for Home and School
Cesal, Barbara P. (1993)

These activities are designed to be used with ten popular children's stories. Some of the stories used are Goodnight Moon, Where the Wild Things Are, With the Wind, and Maebelle's Suitcase. Each book activity has the following sections: Enjoying the Story; Retelling the Story; and an Activity Guide. These activities can be used by parents with their children at home or within a family literacy program. The book also has an excellent list of additional children's books.

Parents and Kids Together Everyday
Durkin, Lisa Lyons (1991)

A book full of activities for parents to do at home with their children. The activities include rooms and routines, everyday chores, in the kitchen, and places to go. There are recipes, crafts to make from household items, and parenting tips. A wonderful source of ideas for family literacy programs!