Role of Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Literacy Development

Abstract

The paper reviews various forms of parental involvement, such as reading to children, engaging in language-rich activities, fostering a print-rich environment at home, and participating in early literacy programs. The benefits of these activities are explored in relation to children's literacy development, including improved vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Furthermore, the paper discusses the role of parental attitudes and beliefs about literacy, and how they influence children’s motivation and engagement in literacy activities. The influence of socio-economic and cultural factors on parental involvement and its impact on literacy development is also examined, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities in parental involvement and its effects on children’s literacy skills. Finally, the paper discusses implications for educators, policymakers, and parents, emphasizing the importance of promoting and supporting parental involvement in early childhood education to enhance children’s literacy development. It also highlights the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms through which parental involvement influences literacy development, and to identify effective strategies for increasing and sustaining parental engagement in their child’s literacy education