Promoting Emergent Literacy in a Pediatric Clinic: Predictors of Parent-Child Reading

Abstract

Shared parent-child reading during the preschool years is significantly related to children's emergent literacy skills. Factors potentially predictive of shared reading were assessed among low-income families of preschoolers (N = 79) attending a pediatric clinic. Demographic, experiential, attitudinal, and caretaker literacy measures were examined in relation to 2 self-report measures of shared parent-child reading: DeBaryshe's (1995) Reading Exposure Composite and Needlman, Fried, Morley, Taylor, and Zuckerman's (1991) Activity Recall Literacy Orientation. Regression analyses revealed that caretaker reading beliefs, self-reported caretaker literacy, and child interest in reading were significant predictors of both shared reading measures. Results are discussed in terms of implications for primary prevention programs aimed at encouraging children's emergent literacy skills in public pediatric settings.