El alfabetismo y las familias latinas: A Critical Perspective on the Literacy Values and Practices of Latino Families With Young Children

Abstract

This study investigated literacy values and practices among Latino families with preschool-age children. Results are part of a larger study that looked at the efficacy of a pediatric-based early literacy promotion program called Reach Out and Read (ROR). Participants included families participating in a ROR program in which pediatricians-in-training gave advice to parents at each of their child's routine exams. Advice consisted of “prescriptions to read” with the child every day. Drawing on a sociocultural framework, the results demonstrate that families were engaged in a range of culturally relevant literacy activities not always recognized or supported by early literacy programs like ROR.

Key words:

• early literacy
• Latinos
• parents' literacy perspectives
• literacy promotion programs
• sociocultural perspective
• home literacy practices

Notes

¹The term Hispanic is used as an umbrella term by the U.S. Department of Education (Planty, et al., 2008). This article uses the terms Hispanic and Latino interchangeably.