Findings and Results:
Throughout the process, we identified and defined several barriers that hindered this subgroup's engagement in reading to their children. These barriers included technological, emotional, and cultural challenges, such as the limited availability of Arabic children's books, a lack of familiarity with literary Arabic compared to conversational Arabic, and the cultural reality that many of these parents were not read to during their own childhood.
Moreover, many parents were unaware of the significant impact that informal educational activities, like reading to their children, could have on their development. There was also a prevalent belief that the responsibility for education rested primarily with teachers and caretakers. However, we discovered that this demographic was highly motivated and deeply invested in their children’s success. We leveraged this motivation by reframing reading activities as a critical component of their children’s future achievements. Based on these insights, we designed a 4-week intervention program that included:
- Workshops: In-person sessions where parents had the opportunity to express their challenges and needs, followed by joint reading practice with their children in a supportive group atmosphere. In the workshop, families were offered tailored solutions that fit their context, such as letting the eldest child participate and facilitate in reading to their younger sibglings.
- Resource Distribution: Providing families with two books to take home, addressing the barrier of book accessibility and generating excitement for reading.
- Nudges: A series of nudges delivered three times a week before bedtime, offering tips, encouragement, and actionable information to reinforce the techniques taught in the workshops.
- Community Incentive: A competition among kindergartens, where the school whose parents read the most to their children would win a new library.
Impact:
The program led to a significant increase in reading behavior among participants. Notably, 30% of parents who had never read to their children before continued to do so one month after the program ended, indicating the successful formation of a new habit and routine at home.
The program’s low dropout rate highlighted the positive experience, relevance of content, and effectiveness of the incentives provided. Follow-up surveys showed a shift in how families viewed their role in informal education, with fathers and older siblings joining mothers in reading to young children. Parents gained a deeper understanding of the importance of reading and recognized their crucial role in their children’s educational future.
The success of the program also strengthened the relationship between the municipality and the community. There are plans to expand the initiative across Jaffa and into other Arab-speaking cities in Israel.
Insights:
Cultural Tailoring: Tailoring interventions to address specific cultural and linguistic barriers can significantly enhance engagement in literacy programs.
Sustained Behavior Change: Small, consistent nudges and practical support, such as providing books and creating a supportive group atmosphere, are effective in sustaining new habits like regular reading.
Community Involvement: Engaging the community through incentives and competitions can create a shared sense of purpose, further motivating participation and reinforcing positive behavior change.
