| Description |
The purpose of this action research project was to determine how Family Journals can allow educators to access family funds of knowledge, and how Family Journals impact the home-school relationship. In addition, changes in educator perceptions of students and families, as well as impact on students' family relationships were also addressed. Using a first grade classroom in a large, urban, elementary school as the project setting, data in the form of student journal entries was collected over a three-month period. In addition, a research journal and parent surveys also provided evidence of the impact of Family Journals. Though twenty-four students participated in the Family Journals, five case study students' journal entries were analyzed for specific data. Family Journals provided numerous examples of family funds of knowledge, and positively impacted the home-school relationship. They also dramatically changed educator perspective of students' families, and enhanced students' family relationships. Using writing as a bridge between home and school is a way for educators to build collaborative relationships with students' families, and increase family participation in their child's literacy development. |
