Rowan University Rowan Digital Works Theses and Dissertations 2-28-2020 Using families' Funds of Knowledge literacy to enhance family- school relationships Kaitlyn Greenwood Rowan University Follow this and additional works at: https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd Part of the Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, and the Language and Literacy Education Commons Recommended Citation Greenwood, Kaitlyn, "Using families' Funds of Knowledge literacy to enhance family-school relationships" (2020). Theses and Dissertations. 2760. https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/2760 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Rowan Digital Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Rowan Digital Works. For more information, please contact [email protected]. USING FAMILIES’ FUNDS OF KNOWLEDGE LITERACY TO ENHANCE FAMILY-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS by Kaitlyn Greenwood A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Language, Literacy & Sociocultural Education College of Education In partial fulfillment of the requirement For the degree of Master of Arts in Reading Education at Rowan University February 29, 2020 Thesis Chair: Dr. Valarie Lee Ph.D. Dedications I would like to dedicate this thesis to my parents, Harry and Diane, and my brother, Brandon, whose love and support helped me achieve more than I thought possible. Thank you for always believing in me, encouraging me to shoot for the stars, and helping me reach my full potential. Acknowledgments I would like to thank and acknowledge my advisor, Dr. Valarie Lee, for her constant support and inspiration throughout this journey. I would also like to recognize Dr. Susan Browne and the Rowan Literacy Department for guiding me on a path to inspire change in the school community. To the participating families in my study, I am grateful for the heartwarming relationships we have built. I appreciate my school for approving my research and partaking in my study. Thank you to my family and friends for your unwavering support and patience. To my peers in the MA in Reading program, I appreciate the friendships, encouragement, and advice given throughout this adventure. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without all of the love, support, and guidance I have received. iv Abstract Kaitlyn Greenwood USING FAMILIES’ FUNDS OF KNOWLEDGE LITERACY TO ENHANCE FAMILY-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS 2020 Dr. Valarie Lee Ph.D. Master of Arts in Reading Education This paper presents the initial findings from an ethnographic case study, in a small South Jersey town. Using a socio-cultural framework and drawing from Moll and Gonzalez’s funds of knowledge study, the specific aim of the study was to investigate e literacy practices students bring to the classroom, families’ views of home to school connection, educators’ impression of the family school partnership, and the role of student’s funds of knowledge in the classroom. Three second grade families participated in home visits which involved in-depth interviews detailing family literacies including culture, traditions, family background, early literacy practices, and value of education. To understand the school’s prospective, the elementary principal and two second grade teachers were interviewed about culturally relevant pedagogy, parent- school connection, and their knowledge of the families. Results revealed missed opportunities to connect to students’ funds of knowledge while teaching due to time, curriculum, and background knowledge of students. Results from home visits revealed that while daily routines differed, the participating families valued education, family time, kindness, and hard work. Parents indicated that while pleased with the school, they present examples of missed opportunities for parent involvement. Results are discussed in terms of implications for integrating families’ funds of knowledge into the curriculum to allow for more inclusion and engagement. v Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................ v Chapter 1: Vignette .......................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 Story of the Question ................................................................................................. 2 Statement of the Problem .......................................................................................... 4 Statement of the Research Question .......................................................................... 6 Organization of the Thesis ......................................................................................... 6 Chapter 2: Literature Review .......................................................................................... 8 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 8 Defining Family Literacy .......................................................................................... 8 Socio-Cultural Framework ........................................................................................ 10 Defining Funds of Knowledge .................................................................................. 12 Expectations of Family-School Relationships ........................................................... 14 Potential Hinderances of Family-School Partnership ................................................ 17 Benefits of Home Visits ............................................................................................ 22 Culturally Relevant Pedagogy ................................................................................... 24 Benefits of Implementing Culturally Relevant Pedagogy ......................................... 27 Strategies to Implement Funds of Knowledge into Instruction ................................. 28 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 30 Chapter 3: Methodology .................................................................................................. 32 Research Paradigm .................................................................................................... 32 My Role as the Researcher .................................................................................. 33 vi Table of Contents (Continued) Procedure for the Study ............................................................................................. 35 Data Sources .............................................................................................................. 36 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................. 37 Community Context .................................................................................................. 39 School Context .......................................................................................................... 40 Family Context .......................................................................................................... 43 The Washington Family ...................................................................................... 43 The Russo Family ................................................................................................ 43 The Gallagher Family .......................................................................................... 44 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 44 Chapter 4: Data Analysis of the Home ........................................................................... 45 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 45 The Washington Family Home Visit ......................................................................... 45 Family Traditions ................................................................................................ 48 Home Literacies ................................................................................................... 49 Parent School Relationship .................................................................................. 52 Interview with Kyle ............................................................................................. 54 Community .......................................................................................................... 56 Themes ................................................................................................................ 59 The Russo Family Home Visit .................................................................................. 61 Family Traditions ................................................................................................ 65 Home Literacies ................................................................................................... 65 vii Table of Contents (Continued) Parent School Relationship .................................................................................. 67 Interview with Sophia .......................................................................................... 68 Community .........................................................................................................