Bridging Home and School To Secure Better Reading Outcomes

Bridging the gap between home and school is essential for improving students' reading outcomes, especially as diverse language backgrounds and socioeconomic factors come into play. Implementing an effective literacy program management significantly impacts students' interest in reading, which is crucial for enhancing knowledge and cognitive development. Additionally, it is important to emphasize parent-child shared book reading, particularly in heritage language households, where this practice has been shown to mediate the effects of socioeconomic status on children's emergent literacy skills. Given the growing linguistic diversity in the U.S., where over 12 million school-age children are heritage language learners, educators and parents must collaborate to create a supportive literacy environment at home and in school. By fostering a passion for reading through shared efforts, children can develop stronger reading habits that improve comprehension and vocabulary in their heritage and second languages. This partnership is crucial for securing better reading outcomes for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.

The Role of Parents in Better Literacy Practices at Home

Parents play a crucial role in fostering better literacy practices at home. As previously mentioned, parent-child book reading, especially in bilingual homes, boosts both vocabulary and literacy skills. Students' reading interest is moderate but can be enhanced through well-managed literacy programs. Regular shared reading at home introduces children to new words, print awareness, and verbal understanding, benefiting both monolingual and bilingual children. For heritage language learners, shared reading helps bridge socioeconomic gaps in literacy development. It’s also proven that parental attitudes toward reading shape children's literacy behaviors and outcomes. Parents should collaborate with educators to reinforce positive literacy habits both at home and in school.

​​Look at Challenges Faced by Struggling Readers in the Classroom

Struggling readers in the classroom face many challenges that impact their literacy development. There is a clear lack of passion for reading, which limits students' ability to gain knowledge and insight. Additionally, students' interest in reading remains moderate, reflecting the need for better literacy program management. Heritage language learners also struggle due to limited access to shared reading at home, influenced by socioeconomic status. Educators can support struggling readers by fostering collaboration with parents and encouraging frequent parent-child shared book reading, mediating literacy outcomes. Tailored reading interventions and targeted vocabulary instruction can help bridge these literacy gaps and support long-term academic success.

From my own experience, I know firsthand how powerful that extra bit of attention can be. My grandmother played a crucial role in my early literacy development, sitting with me for hours, and patiently guiding me through books. Her dedication not only helped me grow as a reader but also instilled in me a lifelong love for literature. It’s a reminder of how impactful small, intentional acts of support can be for a child’s future. When families, schools, and communities unite with the shared goal of fostering literacy, especially for young readers who may be struggling, the possibilities are endless. By coming together, we create an environment where children can thrive, knowing they are supported every step of the way.

In conclusion, bridging the gap between home and school is not just an option, but a necessity for securing better reading outcomes for all students, particularly those facing linguistic and socioeconomic challenges. When educators, parents, and communities work together to create supportive, literacy-rich environments, they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success. My personal experience with my grandmother’s unwavering support reminds me of the profound impact that extra attention and dedication can have on a child’s development. By fostering collaboration between home and school, we can help every child — especially those who struggle—build the confidence and skills they need to thrive as readers and learners, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks. Together, we can open the doors to brighter futures through the power of reading

Bibliography

Merga, M. K. (2019). “Fallen through the cracks”: Teachers’ perceptions of barriers faced by struggling literacy learners in secondary school. English in Education, 54(4), 371–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/04250494.2019.1672502 

Niklas, F., Wirth, A., Guffler, S., Drescher, N., & Ehmig, S. C. (2020). The home literacy environment as a mediator between parental attitudes toward shared reading and children’s linguistic competencies. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1628. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01628/full

Shen, Y., & Del Tufo, S. N. (2022). Parent-child shared book reading mediates the impact of socioeconomic status on heritage language learners’ emergent literacy. Early Childhood

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885200621001472

Sulfemi, W. B. (2023). Management Of School Literacy With Students’ Interest in Reading. Educ Learn Dev Nations, 1(2), 26-31. https://eldn.com.my/archives/2eldn2023/2eldn2023-62-67.pdf