Family literacy covers more than basic training in reading and writing. Family literacy programs balance traditional literacy training with help developing parenting skills, promoting opportunities for healthy family relationships, and addressing challenges to allow for increased self-sufficiency. By learning together or in close proximity to each other, parents serve as role models for their children. It is also an opportunity for parents to learn how to reinforce and practice supporting what their children learn at preschool or daycare.
Family literacy programs are increasingly present in communities throughout the United States. Most programs take place at literacy centers in the evenings or on Saturdays. The programs are managed by a small staff of paid professionals. Volunteers work directly with families whom have come to the center for help. Generally, there are two types of volunteers: those who provide help with activities such as arts and crafts and those who serve as family literacy mentors. The former does not usually require special qualifications; the latter often does require specific training.
Mentors receive training to help equip them to deal with the unique aspects of family literacy development. The most essential qualifications, of course, are the ability to read and write as well as a desire to help others! Even so, volunteers usually need to become qualified as a basic literacy mentor, which may require up to 16 hours of classroom-based training. In some cases, volunteers must then obtain a certain number of hours as a basic literacy mentor before they are eligible for the training necessary to become a family literacy mentor.
As a family literacy volunteer, your impact can be life altering and the rewards heart-warming. If you want to learn more about how to become a family literacy volunteer, contact your local literacy organization.
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