Summary.

In summary, many of the low-income parents in this study had learning difficulties when they were in school and dropped out early or followed a modified program that was less academically demanding. Nevertheless, they recognize the importance of education and participate in literacy experiences at home that demonstrate the high value they place on education. As outlined, schoolwork is a gendered task; regardless of family composition, mothers are the ones who encourage and support their children with their homework assignments and reading practice as best they can. If they encounter difficulties, they try to obtain support from other family members or the teacher. However, the participants in this study did not capitalize on teachable moments and had a fear about instructing the child in a manner that was different from the teacher and upsetting the teacher or confusing the child. Although several of the women acknowledged that they should use the pictures in the text to help the child with reading, they chose to cover the picture and put a heavy emphasis on reading fluently over comprehending the text. They did not use questioning strategies to prompt the child.

Use Personal Resources to Support Learning

These families have numerous strengths and a variety of personal resources for managing their daily lives. However, they often do not seem to recognize how to use their skills and talents to best support their children's learning. Many of the participants, the women in particular, are extremely clever when it comes to using their practical skills for accomplishing general home maintenance, crafts, food preparation, cleaning or organizing tasks. Beth and Doug had painted their walls. Natalie was adept at decorating. For example, she pointed out that she:

like[s] to redo things. I paint sometimes. Actually my bathroom is half painted right now. My living room is still half done. I started in the summer and then I decided I didn't like it so I didn't finish yet so - I have to decide what to do with it. My bathroom's almost finished. I just painted it white but I gotta put my border up.