Nontraditional Literacy Nontraditional Forms of Parental Involvement in Literacy Development: The Book Mobile and Other Stories

Abstract

This qualitative research examines family literacy practices used by working-class Latina/o parents. Through personal narratives two Latina researchers illustrate how their parents and family members engage in nontraditional parental involvement activities that promote literacy development and learning. Analysis of narratives reveals incidental learning occurs through nontraditional parent involvement. In literacy development this learning occurs when parents and children interact in daily life activities. Three themes are explored -- nontraditional reading resources, value assigned to literacy, and family interactions. Each theme is explained and accompanied by example narratives. Relevant implications for family literacy instructors are provided.