Abstract #2963

Abstract: The family plays a decisive role in children’s education, which starts very early in the children's life and has to do with all the dimensions of their development. Family Literacy Programs (FLPs) aim to support parents in realizing their important role and help them create a conducive home learning environment. The purpose of this study is to investigate mothers’ needs and expectations for participation in a FLP. The research was carried out in 3 state kindergartens in Pyrgos, in Western Greece, during the school year 2021-2022 and 24 mothers of preschool-aged children (4 years old) participated. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed through content analysis. According to the results, all the mothers were excited about the idea of participating in a FLP. They are mainly interested to know what the children should learn at this age, how they can attract children's interest for the written language, and in what literacy practices they could involved with children at home . All the mothers also agree that their participation in a FLP would have benefits for both children and themselves. Mothers would not only learn the appropriate way to properly guide the children at home, but they would also have the chance to gain new knowledge, to discuss, to reflect and exchange ideas on literacy issues.
In conclusion, the results show that parents need training and guidance, so that they understand how to strengthen literacy from a very young age and how they can help children at home. However, the field of family literacy has not received the due attention in Greece and remains on the sidelines. The results of the research can contribute to the design of a FLP based on parents’ needs, so that all parents develop an active role in children’ education.

Key words: Mothers, Preschool-aged children, Literacy, FLP, Needs, Expectations.

"At first, I would become an even better mother, a better person for the society": Mothers’ needs and expectations for participation in a Family Literacy Program (FLP).