Making Connections to Promote Early Literacy

Making Connections to Promote Early Literacy was a research grant funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) under its Innovative Projects Iniative. DEST provided research grant for this pilot study to develop a methodology for improving national literacy rates through early childhood education programmes.

Dr Susan McKenzie of the School of Education was awarded the grant after two rounds of national competitive selection.

Dr McKenzie's research included

• Literature review of national parental participation literacy programmes;
• Data collection in an early learning centre involving interviews, videotaping and focus groups (parent/teacher);
• Data analysis of participant developmental milestones and gender differences; parent and teacher interviews; and
• Publication of final research findings.

The research study was conducted at the kindergarten located at All Saint's College, Bullcreek, Western Australia. Interviews, videotapes and focus group with students, teachers and parents/carers provided data sources for the study. A DVD from the research clearly illustrates strategies for early childhood educators to promote early literacy.

Final Report available for download from Department of Education, Science and Training. Click here