Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Developmental Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Eileen Wood

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

Parental involvement is considered a crucial factor in developing children’s early literacy and reading skills, especially for children not yet in school. The present study aims to determine whether an online literacy module can increase early literacy knowledge in parents who may not have the training to promote their child’s learning. Additionally, the study examines parent perspectives of online video training and the practicality of the video’s content. To test the hypothesis that parent knowledge will increase after exposure to the online video, 29 Canadian parents (27 mothers, two fathers) with children aged 3 to 5 were provided with supervised training via an online module regarding shared book reading strategies. Parents completed a pre-test survey, followed by exposure to the reading module, then they were re-surveyed in one session. Parents also recorded a shared reading session with their child and completed a final post-practice survey. Overall, parents’ knowledge regarding dialogic reading constructs increased from pre- to post- viewing of the module (smallest t(28) = 10.23, p < .001). Parents demonstrated the ability to accurately engage in the strategies taught through the online video module when reading with their child. When parents rated the quality of the various design and content features of the online video module, their mean scores approached ceiling levels (means exceeding 4.0 on a 5-point scale). Although the sample size for the present study was small, information gathered from this study contributes to the existing literature regarding effective parental interventions and in particular, the study suggests that the accessible online shared-reading module may be sufficient to enhance some dialogic reading strategies. The discussion considers further considerations to more fully understand how to support parents in their role in supporting the early literacy skills of their children.

Keywords: shared book reading, early literacy development, online parent supports

Convocation Year

2022

Convocation Season

Spring

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