How Families Can Partner With Schools on Literacy Development

Families should collaborate with the school to make decisions about a child’s literacy education, promote faster development and catch trouble spots early.

A woman in a suit gestures while talking to a man holding papers. A child in a striped shirt sits nearby. Bright, neutral office setting.

1. Communicate and Interact Often

Families should ask the school how best to communicate with each other, and should feel comfortable to ask questions if more information is needed.

Here are some ways families can share experiences and thoughts with the school:

Help in the classroom
Go to meetings (school/teacher orientation, parent-teacher conferences)
Join school groups (Parent-Teacher Association or Organization, Family Advisory Council)
Ask, “What are the school’s literacy goals for children and families?”
Ask, “How does the school partner with families when developing its language and literacy goals for students?”
Ask, “How can I support my child’s language and literacy goals?”

2. Discuss Literacy Instruction and Intervention

Families should understand the literacy standards a child is working on at school. Review the literacy expectations set for the child and make sure they are appropriate. Ask if the literacy instruction and intervention is evidence-based and check if the instruction and intervention target the skills the child needs most.

Ask:

“What does my child need to know and be able to do?”
“How is reading taught and by whom?”
“When does literacy instruction and intervention happen and for how long?”
“How many other children join?”
“What school materials or trainings about literacy are available to families?”

Tools to help a child read and write may be available. Tools for reading include audio books, screen readers, speed control tape recorders, and devices that can scan printed material to be read aloud. Tools for writing include special keyboards, speech recognition software, proofreading software, and pens that record someone speaking.

3. Practice Literacy Skills at Home

Families should talk with the school about home literacy activities that match the child’s skill level.

Ask:

“What activities will help her practice the skills learned at school?”
“What strategies should I use to help my child read or write?”
“What tools are available to help my child practice these skills?”

At home, families can try out different activities and tools and share with the school what worked well and what did not. Let the school know if more information or support is needed, and discuss other ways to practice the skills learned at school, such as at the library or through literacy services in the community.

4. Address Concerns Together

Families should discuss with the school which activities or tasks the child has trouble with at home, and how you helped. Learn about the school’s system of learning support.

Ask:

“How is my child’s language and literacy learning being supported in this system?”
“How are you monitoring my child’s language and literacy progress?”
“What might happen next if my child continues to struggle?”

Take time to understand the school’s position and openly communicate your view. Work together to find a solution to address your child’s learning needs that you both can support. If you and the school disagree, get advice from others on next steps.