As the new school year begins, parents often find themselves grappling with a persistent question: What can they do to ensure their child’s success in school? Fortunately, research suggests that the answer may be simpler than they think—and many parents are already engaged in effective practices.
Rufan Luo, an associate professor at Arizona State University’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, provides valuable insights in this domain. With a focus on how early learning experiences shape language skills and school readiness, Luo emphasizes the importance of simple parental interactions such as reading, storytelling, and engaging in conversations. These activities are not merely enjoyable but foundational for children’s cognitive development.
“Reading with your child, sharing stories, and engaging in dialogue contribute significantly to their growth as learners and critical thinkers,” Luo asserts. Her research indicates that the activities families partake in during early childhood leave a lasting impact on a child’s educational journey. “What families do in those early years has a lasting impact,” she adds.
Luo currently serves as the interim director of RISE (Resilience in Social Environments), where she is dedicated to examining how early experiences differ across various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. In collaboration with local organizations such as Valleywise Health and Child Crisis Arizona, Luo is developing a new early language program that integrates community input to ensure accessibility and cultural relevance.
Her research raises critical questions about the diversity of early learning experiences across different families. Recent studies reveal that storytelling practices vary widely by cultural background. For instance, an analysis of storytelling among African American, Latino, and Chinese immigrant parents illustrated distinct thematic focuses—emotions, goals, and social rules—which influenced how children understood and integrated these cultural narratives into their own stories.
Luo’s findings also underscore the impact of socioeconomic factors on child development. Children from low-income families often start school at a disadvantage, lacking the resources to foster an enriching language environment. “These families face challenges such as long working hours and limited access to educational materials,” she explains. Despite these barriers, the dedication of parents remains strong, and Luo sees her work as a platform to amplify their voices.
One of her key initiatives involved collaboration with the Maternity Care Coalition in Philadelphia, where community members helped shape a language development program designed for families in underserved neighborhoods. Such projects highlight the importance of creating educational tools grounded in the real needs of families to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.
Luo’s findings emphasize a crucial interplay between home and school environments. Effective early reading and conversation not only enhance vocabulary and comprehension but also help children navigate their emotions and social relationships. In her observations, parental support for bilingualism in the home—especially when schools endorse such practices—creates a positive cycle of reinforcement, further empowering children.
As the new academic year unfolds, Luo’s insights serve as a reminder to parents that their everyday interactions with their children can lay the groundwork for a successful educational experience. By fostering a nurturing and stimulating home environment, parents can significantly influence their children’s academic trajectories while bridging the gap between home and school learning. This symbiotic relationship is vital for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive in their educational pursuits.
For families in search of additional resources, a variety of free and low-cost reading events are available in the Phoenix area, designed to foster language development and instill a love of reading in children.
