The qualitative research paradigm in this study was primarily exploratory in nature. I was the main instrument of data collection, interpretation, and analysis. I used naturalistic inquiry which emphasizes holistic and inductive theory development emerging naturally from the research methods (Merriam, 2001). I addressed the meaning and context of lived experience regarding literacy in low-income homes to try to understand and appreciate individualized experiences and voices (Patton, 1990). For this study, low-income families are defined as those families receiving income assistance and meeting provincial guidelines for housing subsidies and daycare arrangements. These families have less disposable income compared to middle class families to spend on books, toys, extracurricular activities and family outings.

As the researcher, I became immersed in the setting and experiences of the participants while I interacted with them in order to record and observe their reality. I made an attempt to get to know the community, the school and the norms of the culture by spending a full day each week in the school for a period of about six months before actual data collection. In that time, I observed in a number of different classes to note strategies that the teachers used and teaching techniques. At the same time, I met with people outside of the school who were prominent members of this community. These included the community adult literacy instructor, teachers at the area child care centre, and community centre staff. Speaking with them helped provide me with a more complete understanding of this community and its resources.

Case Study Design

Description

The case study is a qualitative research method that was developed primarily in the social sciences, and has become popular in educational research (Cohen & Manion, 1989). The case study method, as applied here, is concerned with developing a deep understanding of the complex realities experienced by the participants with the event or entity bound in space or time (Creswell, 1994; Miles & Huberman, 1994).