Communities that invest in family learning invest in literacy, as Investigator Vianne Timmons of University of Prince Edward Island knows well. Her comparison of rural literacy development in Aboriginal Mi'kmaq communities resulted in a clear understanding that we need community programs to support children's literacy in marginal groups.
Dr. Timmon's team created a ten-week literacy program for kids and parents to learn together - one night per week, two hours per session. Reading improvements were dramatic over four and eight month periods. Listening gain (comprehension) over 27 months was equally strong.
Children in Grades 1 to 4 showed a significant increase in auditory learning. The Calgary Education Board has also adopted the program.
The language and culture of my heritage is passed on to me orally. It's a different way of learning than how I am taught at school. How do I keep my traditional culture alive while learning to read and being immersed in the majority culture?
Reading is the core of learning and staying in school. Improving my reading skills will open up the doors to future prospects.