Family Literacy is an intergenerational program that brings parents and preschool- or elementary-age children to school together. It can provide a depth in education that allows learning opportunities for children and the adults in their lives. As relationships are built, learning becomes circular between parents, children, and teachers. This…

Introduction: This article investigates an early STEM family engagement program offered during the pre-kindergarten (pre-k) year. Pre-k is an important juncture for community organizations to support children's STEM engagement and parental involvement in informal STEM learning. We evaluated a program called Teaching Together STEM, which offers a…

A Family Geography Night (FGN) kit can be used to bring families together, teach about the world, give parents the opportunity to share their beliefs, and participate in the educational system while having fun! Geography is an essential element of twenty-first-century education. More than just maps, geography is the interaction of cultures,…

The crucial need for a mathematically literate society, coupled with a sustained focus on mathematics standards, continues its center-stage presence. At the same time, "Principles and Standards" states that it is imperative to offer "all students high-quality programs that include significant mathematics presented in a manner that respects both…

This rejoinder provides responses to the conceptual concerns expressed in the nine critiques published in this issue of "Educational Researcher" of the 2008 National Early Literacy Panel report. It explains the necessity of adhering to clearly established study selection parameters in conducting trustworthy meta-analyses and the need to be…

Planning youth and family programming in the 21st century is daunting given family members' busy schedules. This is even more challenging when planning programs in rural areas, where there are vast distances between communities. This article discusses a research and educational outreach project that uses best practices in program development…

Historically, the emphasis of parent involvement components in early childhood programs has been on teaching the parent to teach the child. Since the early 1980s, however, there has been a movement toward the development of support systems for families. Support activities are important for parents under stress, since stress can affect the ability…

This handbook for the nonprofessional provides basic information, organizational suggestions,and program ideas for operating child care programs which do not require advance registration or regular attendance. The focus is on child care provided in conjunction with "family-centered programs" (such as parent discussion groups) where…

One of five individualized courses included in a parent involvement curriculum, this course focuses on the developmental characteristics and changes of the adolescent and techniques for guiding adolescents to adulthood. The course is comprised of two units: (1) Growth and Development, and (2) Developmental Tasks and Adult Guidance. Each unit…

One of five individualized courses included in a parent involvement curriculum, this course covers physical, mental, social-emotional development of children ages five through thirteen, feelings of security and adequacy, understanding of self and others, and self-discipline. The course is comprised of two units: (1) Middle Childhood and (2) Later…

One of five individualized courses included in a parent involvement curriculum, this course focuses on infant developmental characteristics, techniques of good physical care of the infant, and techniques for teaching the infant. The course is comprised of three units: (1) Growth and Development, (2) Infant Care, and (3) Developing the Baby's…

Why should schools have a Family Math Night? It helps students learn essential math concepts. It gives parents a chance to serve as models of motivation, persistence and competence. It promotes math success in a supportive setting. With its step-by-step directions and suggestions for both teachers and parents, this book takes the worry out of…

One of five individualized courses included in a parent involvement curriculum, this course includes the following areas: developmental characteristics of the preschool child and influences on this development, technique for teaching the preschool child and guiding him/her to the fullest potential, and ways of identifying and controlling behavior…

Describes "Family Computers," an educational program developed by EQUALS that brings families together weekly to have fun with mathematics while using computers. Discusses software selection, provides a lesson plan for grades 4-8, and presents 7 tips for instructors. (MDH)

One of five individualized courses included in a parent involvement curriculum, this course is designed to assist adults in developing the types of relationships which will positively affect children's development. The course is comprised of two units: (1) Self-Image and (2) Self-Control. Each unit begins with a Unit Learning Experience Guide that…