Why is a Family Story Book Important?

The 21st Century Exploring Parenting Program offers mothers and fathers suggestions for positive parent/child interactions in everyday settings and strengthens confidence in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Creating a Family Story Book as an ongoing record offers a valuable opportunity for parents and children to reflect on the family’s interests, cultural background, and values. The Family Story Book also can strengthen bonds by honoring everyday parent and child experiences. It also can enhance literacy and learning development as the family works together using words and pictures and discusses how best to tell their story.

Parents and Sharing
Parents often wish to reflect on how to create good memories for their child. They are constantly adding new chapters to their lives that can be put in the Family Story Book. Children will enjoy participating in creating the story book too. They can be involved in making pages for the book by drawing pictures and dictating a caption or telling a story incorporating souvenirs and interesting materials.

As pages are completed, the family can read and discuss them together. Young children will enjoy looking at the photographs and artwork. (See the Tips for Creating a Family Story Book in the pullout for the Head Start Bulletin (page 33)).

Steps to Literacy and Learning
The Family Story Book is a way to keep a record of parent and child experiences. It can enhance literacy development and offers a close tie to literacy and learning. Parents and children can see how a book is made by contributing material and assembling the book. The process will teach them how to put words and pictures in the book, how to tell a story using pictures, and how to listen to and discuss a story.

As the Family Story Book grows, parents and children can enjoy sharing the keepsake with other Head Start parents, family members, and friends. The family can strengthen literacy skills and build good literacy habits as they discuss their family story and their experiences making, sharing, and adding to the book.

Other Methods
Families also can preserve their thoughts and experiences in mural, audiotape or video form. These methods are wonderful ways to capture special events like birthday parties, holidays, weddings, and trips.

For additional information about The 21st Century Exploring Parenting Program, contact: Frankie Gibson, 330 C St. SW, Room 2110, Head Start Bureau, Washington, DC T: 202-205- 8399 E: fgibson@acf.hhs.gov