Reading proficiency improves with practice, making it essential to identify effective ways to increase this practice. Drawing from the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 data, our study explored the relationships between parents' attitudes toward reading, early literacy activities, early literacy tasks, and Arabic reading literacy among Emirati children. The findings demonstrate that positive parental attitudes and active engagement in early literacy activities are significant predictors of children's Arabic reading proficiency. Furthermore, early literacy activities before primary school and mastery of early literacy tasks in the early primary years were both strongly linked to better reading skills in Arabic. These early literacy activities and tasks also mediated the relationship between parental attitudes and children's reading proficiency. Building on these insights, PIRLS 2021 data from 57 countries further underscore the critical importance of supportive home and school environments in achieving reading success. Home support is essential for fostering early literacy skills, while a nurturing school environment significantly enhances reading achievement. This presentation outlines strategies for improving literacy through effective teaching practices and sustainable school-home partnerships. We emphasize the importance of early reading instruction, active parental involvement, and the use of systematic phonics for decoding words. Additionally, we advocate for direct instruction methods in teaching comprehension skills and stress the necessity of prioritizing ongoing reading assessment to ensure these strategies are effective. By fostering strong school-home partnerships, educators and policymakers can create a supportive network that enriches children's reading experiences, contributing to sustained academic success, lifelong learning, and overall literacy development.

Authors:
Sumaya Saqr, Emirates College for Advanced Education, United Arab Emirates
Shaljan Areepattamannil, Emirates College for Advanced Education, United Arab Emirates
Yahia Alramamneh, Emirates College for Advanced Education, United Arab Emirates

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