The Project
The Saturday Family Literacy Program (currently known as the UNM College of Education Family Literacy Program) has been in operation since fall 2005 and is presently thriving as a well-established community literacy program. This volunteer program targets Hispanic families from the South Valley area of Albuquerque and is currently housed at Dolores Gonzales Elementary of the Albuquerque Public Schools. Although this program initially met at a Herman Sanchez Community Center on Saturdays, in spring 2006, it was moved to the elementary school to accommodate the scheduling requests of program parents and teachers.
Program Design
The program is designed to provide increased literacy skills and cultural understanding to traditionally underrepresented children and adults whose primary language is Spanish, and who have struggled with English reading and writing skills. The program addresses literacy and learning by creating a "learning community" among the participants. The program centers on a model of embracing participants' lived experiences. Families participate in learning together through culturally relevant and language specific activities that connect the family's core values to educational practices that value each member.
Program Components
Each Thursday, these Spanish/English bilingual families receive: a) culturally relevant literacy instruction from specialized teachers and professors; b) opportunities to engage in reading and writing activities that are adult, child, and preschool child-focused; c) free "quality" bilingual literature to share at home with their children; d) opportunities to produce a Narrative Family Heritage Book; e) guidance in expected school parental involvement and advocacy for their children; f) supervised and literacy-focused instructional childcare; and g) fresh produce and groceries.
Program Effectiveness
Over the last three years we have served over 150 voluntary parents/grandparents, over 200 children, and other extended family members. Since the inception of the program, 15-20 parents have established themselves as "regulars" by attending Family Literacy on a weekly basis. In evaluating our program, the results of participant questionnaires and written feedback reveal this program has: a) enhanced each adult's literacy skills; b) improved their children's attitude and abilities in reading and writing; c) bridged their family's core values with academic skills; d) provided a forum for ESL adults to engage in educational discussions; e) created a close-knit community that encourages participants to drive their own learning; and f) facilitated the building of home libraries for their children.
The Project
The Saturday Family Literacy Program (currently known as the UNM College of Education Family Literacy Program) has been in operation since fall 2005 and is presently thriving as a well-established community literacy program. This volunteer program targets Hispanic families from the South Valley area of Albuquerque and is currently housed at Dolores Gonzales Elementary of the Albuquerque Public Schools. Although this program initially met at a Herman Sanchez Community Center on Saturdays, in spring 2006, it was moved to the elementary school to accommodate the scheduling requests of program parents and teachers.
Program Design
The program is designed to provide increased literacy skills and cultural understanding to traditionally underrepresented children and adults whose primary language is Spanish, and who have struggled with English reading and writing skills. The program addresses literacy and learning by creating a "learning community" among the participants. The program centers on a model of embracing participants' lived experiences. Families participate in learning together through culturally relevant and language specific activities that connect the family's core values to educational practices that value each member.
Program Components
Each Thursday, these Spanish/English bilingual families receive: a) culturally relevant literacy instruction from specialized teachers and professors; b) opportunities to engage in reading and writing activities that are adult, child, and preschool child-focused; c) free "quality" bilingual literature to share at home with their children; d) opportunities to produce a Narrative Family Heritage Book; e) guidance in expected school parental involvement and advocacy for their children; f) supervised and literacy-focused instructional childcare; and g) fresh produce and groceries.
Program Effectiveness
Over the last three years we have served over 150 voluntary parents/grandparents, over 200 children, and other extended family members. Since the inception of the program, 15-20 parents have established themselves as "regulars" by attending Family Literacy on a weekly basis. In evaluating our program, the results of participant questionnaires and written feedback reveal this program has: a) enhanced each adult's literacy skills; b) improved their children's attitude and abilities in reading and writing; c) bridged their family's core values with academic skills; d) provided a forum for ESL adults to engage in educational discussions; e) created a close-knit community that encourages participants to drive their own learning; and f) facilitated the building of home libraries for their children.