Virtual Literacy Night

Preparation

Introduction

Early literacy is a key component in academic success, but is often neglected in very early childhood. Many of the parents in my child development center were not implementing strategies to support emergent reading skills due to the misconception that their children are still “too young”. The lack of focus on these critical early skills unintentionally denies access to the world of knowledge that books and words provide. Furthermore, infants as young as twelve months begin to understand that pictures represent objects. This virtual literacy night not only increased family engagement through community building and active participation, but exposed families to strategies and resources that give their students access to comprehensive literary experiences.

Research & Planning

ACCESS: Virtual Literacy Night: Assessment C

This project was adapted from the above research and planning completed for Assessment C in Teaching for Transformation 1. The Seven Simple Steps guided my implementation, although was modified for younger learners.

ACCESS: LiteracyPresentation_WeidnerLillie

The above presentation helped guide conversations with teachers, provided relevant background information and helped us structure and model literacy practices within the classroom. The what, why and how of learning enabled me to provide an experience based on neuroscience.

ACCESS: LiteratureReview_WeidnerLillie

This literature review offered guidance on developmentally appropriate practice as it pertains to literacy. Most notably, the emphasis on exposure, joy, meaning and refining fine motor skills for future writing helped me create literacy connections that will open doors both now and in the future.

After thorough research, I planned a meeting with my supervisor to discuss literacy needs within the center. We sent home, then gathered and analyzed the Family Literacy Pre-Survey. Based on the above research, experience and feedback from the Parent Education & Family Literacy Pre-Survey, I determined the following goals: increase time spent reading together, interact with text through play, create print-rich environments, introduce concepts of print, repeat nursery rhymes, build interests, and lead by example.

Implementation

Learning Leaf Virtual Literacy Night Presentation

LL Virtual Literacy Night 9_21_21.pdf

Virtual Literacy Night Presentation (Zoom link has been removed to protect student privacy).

This quick and simple presentation, along with the recorded video, was shared with parents after the event. This opened the doors of early literacy for those who could not attend, while acting as a reference and reminder for those who did. This also gave easy access to the links I provided so families and students could continue to expand, navigate and immerse themselves in the prolific world of early literacy.

Engagement

Due to the virtual nature of this event, I wanted to ensure both child and parent engagement. I modeled the importance of nursery rhymes and we played literacy iSpy. Throughout the seminar, I also modeled various techniques for parents to increase interest from a young audience, such as acting out the story, making predictions, encouraging student voice, pointing out print-concepts, and highlighting how stories can be found everywhere. By modeling the inherent joy of reading with even our youngest learners, parents were invested in the idea that it is not too early to expose their children to multiple forms of literacy, as well as the meaningful connection and knowledge reading provides their family.

Family Application

Print Concepts

A young child learns to turn the pages on his own and enjoys looking at illustrations.

Building Interest

Offering diverse books, even from a young age can spark interest and investment in literacy.

Lead by Example

A child manipulates a book while her parents enjoy reading their own books.

Parent Reflections

Overall, parents were very receptive to the importance of beginning literacy exploration from an early age. Several families commented on how many of these practices are innate and felt more like play than studying. To me, this was the ultimate compliment, as I understand the importance learning through play, infusing joy with academics and creating meaningful experiences that enrich the lives of those I serve for years to come. After the event, I wanted to evaluate its success so I asked parents these simple questions (Michelle, 2013).

  1. What was your favorite part?

  2. What went well?

  3. What can I improve?

Michelle. (2013, March 22). Evaluating Family Literacy Nights. Oregon State University . Retrieved September 9, 2021, from https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/freechoicelab/2013/03/22/evaluating-family-literacy-nights/.

Results:

Glows:

Per the feedback, parents enjoyed engaging with their little ones through the Virtual Literacy Night. It was an excellent way to develop family partnerships, ensure active engagement and demonstrate the meaningful connection between home and school in a joyful, yet productive way.

Grows:

While the event was planned at 7pm with intentions of allowing parents enough time to get home, prepare dinner and visit, the late nature resulted in low attendance due to conflicts with bedtime. When reflecting on the recorded Zoom meeting, I also noticed there was little child participation which resulted in off-task behaviors that distracted parents. In the future, I will integrate research with direct child participation to mitigate diversions.

Conclusion & Reflection

Our Virtual Literacy Night was a fun, interactive, and meaningful experience for all. The families enjoyed learning more about easy and prolific techniques to encourage a love for reading from an early age. Many of the parents came prepared with questions such as, "What do I do when my 15 month old is not interested in the book we are reading?" Because many of these were communicated beforehand, I prepared by continuing my research of literacy in infancy/ toddlerhood, which allowed me to open doors for families by deepening my own understanding & practice within this endeavor. This also allowed me to express the importance for teachers and help structure classrooms with early literacy in mind.

While this virtual event was a success, my goal is to have more participation in future events, as well as increasing dialogue between parents, educators and students. I will achieve this by providing ample planning time, sending out invitations, increasing investment through student input, handing out fliers and continuing to discuss events with parents via pick-ups, messages and conversations.