Literature Review
The
literature review was conducted to ensure that the initiative
was based on the research evidence. It examined what the research
suggested about how literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children
can be improved by promoting home-based literacy activities during
the years prior to school entry. A particular focus was on identifying
those factors or activities that influence children in their efforts
to acquire conventional “print literacy” knowledge
as distinct from how they acquire language.
The recent research evidence suggests that promoting specific
literacy-related activities during the years prior to school entry
can improve future literacy outcomes for children in disadvantaged
communities. Based on these findings, it is concluded that the
Let’s Read initiative should include all of the following
key components:
- Shared reading between child and care giver;
- Easy accessibility to age appropriate free books;
- Professional involvement to convey guidance messages and model
shared reading practices to parents;
- Built upon an emergent literacy framework, which promotes
emergent literacy knowledge skills and environments, including
language abilities, letter sound/name knowledge, phonological
awareness and conventions of print; and
- Community involvement to assist in the sustainability of
a community-based early literacy program.
The following Let’s Read literature review documents can
be accessed:
Information from the Literature Review has been used in the:
- “Community
Paediatric Review” publication which is produced by the
Centre for Community Child Health for Maternal and Child Health
Nurses, across Australia. To
view this edition click here (PDF 108KB).
- Childcare and Children's Health publication which is provided by the Centre for Community Child Health for long day care centres and family day care across Australia. To view this edition click here (PDF 172KB)
- In addition the Centre for Community Child Health has developed a "Literacy Promotion Practice Resource". This Practice Resource provides professionals with an introduction to the topic, a summary of the latest research and practical strategies to support their daily work with young children and their families. A copy of the "Literacy Promotion Practice Resource" can be accessed from www.rch.org.au/ccch/research
