Pilot Study

A pilot study was conducted to create a profile of family literacy in selected low-income homes and to uncover mothers' recollections of their early reading experiences (R. Rubin, 1997). Four mothers with children attending two different elementary schools were included. Participants were nominated by the school resource teachers. Two of these participants were interviewed in their homes, while the other two were interviewed at their child's school. Consent was obtained from the participants to audiotape the interviews. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes.

A pilot test of my interview guide was intended to help me refine it to ensure that the questions were understandable to the participants and could be answered. No significant problems were revealed with its use. However, in the course of the pilot study, new questions emerged, requiring either elaboration or further exploration of events, feelings, or perspectives. Using information gained from my interviews in the pilot study, the interview guide was subsequently expanded in the areas of children's activities, parental attitudes and beliefs about literacy practices, and the role of the school environment.

A content analysis revealed that the mothers in the pilot study actively promoted literacy. They tried to create environments for encouraging literate behaviors and for participating in various literacy events, but faced limitations in resources and opportunities. Emergent themes related to reduced access to a variety of reading and writing materials, high academic aspirations for their children, disempowerment by authority figures and attempts at self-empowerment, and limitations in resources of time, finance and support networks.