South Whittier School District parents graduated from the Latino Literacy Project called Family Stories on Thursday, May 31, at Monte Vista Elementary.
At the graduation parents brought their whole family and shared a meal together. They then presented their family book that they have been creating throughout the course of the program. The book consisted of a family tree, letters to family members, and reflections about the program and what they have learned.
Many parents shared how this course has helped them to step out of their comfort zone to pursue an education for themselves and to be examples for their children. Many also shared how their family reading time has become something that their family looks forward to doing together.
These parents participated in a 10 week bilingual program where they practiced reading a book out loud in both Spanish and English and were encouraged to take the book home and read with their family. Each week they came back and they discussed the book, it’s lessons, and what their child thought about the book. They were then given a new book to take home.
This program is designed by the Latino Literacy Project Organization to create an opportunity for parents to engage with their children and to help develop strong language skills. It also gives parents opportunities to connect with their child’s school and engage with other parents and families.