Abstract

The purpose of this study, which employed mixed methods, was to document the implementation of a bilingual family literacy program with immigrant and refugee families from four different language groups in five different communities in a metropolitan area of Canada. Results indicated: 1) the program had a significant impact on children’s early learning, although there was some variation across sites; 2) families appreciated the bilingual format of sessions and the provision of bilingual materials; 3) parents tended to support first language (L1) maintenance, although some expressed anxiety about their children’s English acquisition; and 4) parents expressed concerns, including the need for more explicit instruction, provision of more sessions and a greater focus on school readiness. Although the study indicates the potential of contextually responsive family literacy programs, it also points to the need for nuance and reflexivity on the part of those who work with migrant children and their families.

摘要

本研究采用混合方法，目的是记录双语家庭扫盲计划的实施情况，其中移民和难民家庭来自加拿大大都市区五个不同社区的四种不同语言群体。结果表明： 1）该计划对儿童的早期学习有显着影响，尽管不同地点存在一些差异；2) 家庭赞赏双语形式的会议和提供双语材料；3）父母倾向于支持第一语言（L1）的维护，尽管有些人对孩子的英语习得表示焦虑；4) 家长表达了担忧，包括需要更明确的指导、提供更多的课程和更加关注入学准备。