Study of the Effectiveness of a Home Reading Program on the Involvement of First Grade Parents

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of thematic book bags as a home reading program. Each thematic book bag contained various books and activities that was focused around parental involvement with their child's reading. This program was developed to mirror the topics and units covered throughout the first grade year. The subjects were the parents of 20 first grade children. The parents were asked to respond to a survey that was sent home before the book bag program started and then again after five months. The survey was designed to obtain information on parent perceptions about the content and quality of the program as well as their perceptions and activeness in their child's reading. The results of the completed surveys showed high ratings in the areas of increased involvement and enjoyment in the program. The comments were generally positive and included specific information about how the families read together. The surveys also showed an increase in the involvement of the children while reading in the home.