Family literacy models
The following describes the family literacy models currently operating in Alberta. In addition to programs based on these models, there are numerous family literacy events and promotions, such as special book give-aways at the hospital, or family fairs to promote education.

Homespun
Perhaps the most well-known of family literacy programs in Alberta is the Homespun Family Literacy Project, developed at Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College. Homespun officially began in January 1991 with the mandate of reaching at-risk families and providing parents and caregivers with instruction on how to read with their children and how to encourage a supportive literacy environment in the home.

Homespun is based on a model developed in Raleigh, North Carolina called Motheread. In the Motheread program, mothers met once or twice weekly to share children’s literature centred on a particular child development theme. The Homespun instructor/coordinator received curriculum and training from the Motheread headquarters.

Modifications to the Motheread model to more truly reflect our population and to include Canadian content led to the evolution of the new model, Homespun. Three primary components make up Homespun’s curriculum: 1) a focus on children’s literature as well as extended discussion about the book and activities related to the story, 2) opportunities for parents and caregivers to explore ideas on encouraging an environment in the home that is conducive to literacy development through readings, discussion, videos, and instruction, and 3) exploration and development of the parent’s own literacy abilities, beliefs, and attitudes through personal journals, writing for children and discussing adult readings.

Although there are variations from one program to the next, Homespun sessions usually run for fifteen weeks, with evening or daytime workshops offered for two hours each week. There are an average of ten parents in each workshop.