Family Literacy classes foster connection and growth

     Stronger family bonds, navigation of daily life, reduced stress, and community integration are just some of the outcomes for school communities when they facilitate Family Literacy classes.

     “By hosting Family Literacy classes for their parents, schools help build bridges and create meaningful opportunities for families to fully engage in their children's education,” says Lynnette Aponte, Gwinnett County Public Schools Director of the International Newcomer Center. “These classes go beyond teaching English. They open doors to opportunity, personal growth, and stronger communities. They offer a space where parents can learn together, connect with their schools and one another, and foster a true sense of belonging.”

     At McKendree Elementary School, the Family Literacy class was initiated to address the needs of community families. With 21 current participants, McKendree Elementary staff are committed to helping families strengthen their English language skills, which in turn leads to increased participation in school and community life.

   “Offering these classes helps families become more involved in their children’s learning and equips them to actively support their children’s academic success,” says Sharon Chen, McKendree Elementary Parent Instructional Coordinator.

     Sessions start with a welcoming environment where families feel comfortable while building a positive class culture and sense of community. Together, they collaborate to establish the class norms. The curriculum blends book-based learning using “Cambridge Ventures Basic Level” and interactive activities that give families opportunities to practice English in meaningful ways. Lessons also include practical daily conversations for families to use in everyday life. Chen says that as participants gain language skills, families feel more comfortable sharing their ideas during school planning activities and engaging in meaningful communication with staff.

     “These classes also help parents better understand what their children are learning at school,” Chen adds. “Ultimately, this strengthens their role as active community members working together to support the success of their children.”

     At Baggett Elementary School, Parent Liaison Marissa Henao teaches Thursday afternoon classes for beginners, and Parent Liaison Rose Aguilar teaches a Level 3 class on Tuesday mornings. The classes take place once a week for about 26 weeks, broken down into two semesters.

     Participants engage in conversational practice, listening exercises, reading and writing activities, pronunciation drills, vocabulary building, and connection tasks and projects. They engage in discussions, pair work, role play, homework support, and games as a group. This variety of activities helps strengthen English language skills and comprehension.

     “Benefits for our parents include improved communication, increased confidence, access to opportunities, and active participation in school,” adds Henao. “And benefits for our students include expanded academic support at home, role modeling, increased school engagement, confidence, and a sense of belonging.”