Results from this study reveal the language variability in the parent-child interactions. Natalie's use of language in her interaction is the richest in terms of content and most varied in terms of purpose. Natalie seems to be highly responsive to her children in the exchange. She not only comments on what she is doing as she is preparing a dessert with her two boys, but she answers their questions. She keeps the conversation going by asking them questions throughout the activity, ensuring that the boys are fully engaged, and by expanding upon what they say by adding new information.

While the activities selected by the parents vary and may account for some of the differences in the interactions, there are opportunities for parents in book reading exchanges to predict or relate events to real life experiences. However, the parents speak predominantly about the story events, without pausing for discussion. When Andrea is given a book, she appears to have the single goal of reading the required words on each page from start to end. She fails to engage in book talk that might include a discussion of the title, author, illustrator or genre. When her daughter begins chatting, Andrea quickly tries to refocus her on the task at hand, simply listening passively to her mother read.

As already stated, the parents in the present study verbalize that they care deeply about their children's education and articulate to me that they want them to be successful in school. Andrea is the one parent who mentions a specific goal in relation to her aspirations for her daughter beyond high school. Already having two children with special needs in the family, Andrea's youngest daughter is her shining star. Andrea provides numerous examples to show that she recognizes her daughter's ability, "She brings home the book. Oh I can't remember what it's called…the green duotang³⁶ I think twice a week. They have problems to do. Not very often she gets any wrong."

³⁶ A duotang is a loose leaf cover with fasteners that allow pages to be readily added or removed