Families create a vital foundation for literacy from the beginning of a child's life. Scientists are gaining increasingly detailed knowledge about how the brains of infants and children develop. More neural connections form during infancy than at any other time of life. Infant's neural systems can be dramatically altered by environmental factors, such as poor nutrition and stress. Development of motor skills, play, and social relationships all influence an infant's later success in reading.
Parent involvement makes a difference.
A number of studies over the years have confirmed that parents who are interested and supportive, as well as actively involved in children's learning at home and in the classroom, can improve their children's development and academic performance. Many parents need strong encouragement. According to a 1991 study of urban teachers by Catherine Snow, teachers who reported high levels of interest and involvement among parents initiated 10-15 interactions with parents for every one interaction initiated by teachers who reported low levels of interest and involvement. Family Literacy programs work. Assumptions about families are unreliable.