Home literacy refers to the activities that families engage at home to support their children's literacy skills. It encompasses a variety of activities, such as reading, storytelling, and engaging in conversations that build vocabulary and comprehension (Schull et al, 2021, p. 74). The importance of home literacy has been widely acknowledged in educational research, as it lays the foundation for future academics. This literature review purposes to explore the role of parental involvement in home literacy and its impact on children's literacy development, examining factors that influence how parents engage in literacy activities with their children.
Schull et al. (2021, p. 73-74) states that in conducting home literacy programs, families have a big role in literacy development. The literacy experiences are usually informal and happen within the context of the normal family routine (Wasik cited in Schull et al. 2021, p. 73). These daily experiences support the influence of parents on a child's literacy development. The role of parents can be the teachers in their children's literacy in daily activities. The daily interactions between children and parents in the home provide models of how people use reading, writing, and language to engage with the world.
In addition, a study by Cheung et al (2021) in Asia, found that Asian parents generally have high academic aspirations, their belief in their role in academics varies especially in literacy. Parents in Hong Kong and Mainland China engage preschoolers in home learning activities (Lau et al cited in Cheung et al, 2021), and Iraqi parents of 4-7 years old children prioritize teaching literacy at home (Okello and Mahammed cited in Cheung et al, 2019). Effective parent-child interactions are crucial for children's learning. In Israel, quality mediation by mothers during joint writing improved children's literacy (Aram et al cited in Cheung et al, 2021). It highlights the significant role parents play in home literacy.
After knowing the role of parents in home literacy, the study by Primayana & Dewi (2022) highlights the impact of parental involvement in home literacy for children's literacy development. By using ex-post-facto study and quantitative methods, it was found that the parent involvement variable had an effective contribution to early childhood language skills in PWP Dama Kumara. If the parents' involvement and home literacy applied effectively, it provides good benefits for children. The child's language development grows slowly in the environment. A good environment will have an impact on the rapid reading ability in early childhood.
In contrast, a study by Oest (2011) found that it is important to consider how the students' environment outside school and home also contributes positively to their literacy development. The data collected by conducting a survey between three students and answered by their parents. The results imply that three students do not always depend on literacy at home and school. The opportunities to engage in literacy experiences are more flexible, such as weekly outings to grocery stores. Even though it is differ from previous studies, the results show that three students' families serve positive attitudes toward education. These parents demonstrated value education and supported their children's learning as their role as a teacher.
Lastly, there are also some conditions that can have a negative impact on children's literacy development when conducting home literacy. Pick (2007) highlights that differences in home environments, such as socioeconomic status, education, culture, and family structure, will affect early reading achievement. These factors can positively or negatively influence home literacy development. Barbour in Pick (2007) emphasizes that low family involvement in literacy is not always due to unwillingness, but often due to physical or cultural isolation, or the necessity of meeting basic needs.
In conclusion, this literature review found that parental involvement in home literacy is crucial for children's literacy development. Parents play a significant role through informal daily literacy practices, acting as their children's first teachers. Effective parent-child interactions, such as shared reading and quality writing activities, will enhance literacy skills. Active parental involvement positively impacts early language development, flexible literacy activities outside the home and school also contribute. However, factors like socioeconomic status and cultural isolation can negatively affect home literacy, highlighting the need for supportive environments to foster children's literacy growth.
REFERENCE :
Schull, C.P., La Croix, L., Miller, S.E., Austin, K.S., Kidd, J.K. (2021). Early Childhood Literacy: Engaging and Empowering Emergent Readers and Writers, Birth - Age 5. The Virtual Library of Virginia.
Cheung, S., Dulay, K., Yang, X., Mohseni, F., McBride, C. (2021). Home Literacy and Numeracy Environments in Asia. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
Pick, Katie. (2007). How does home literacy help children?. University of Northern Iowa.