Reading, Language, and Mathematics (ReaLM) Lab
Founded by Dr. Jessica Chan, the Reading, Language, and Mathematics (ReaLM) Lab aims to advance our understanding about children’s language and literacy development, and examine the role of literacy in academic learning for children from diverse backgrounds.
The ReaLM lab leads research projects that involves families with school-aged children across grades 1 through 6. In addition, Dr. Chan aims to bridge research to practice through knowledge translation within teaching in the B.Ed. and graduate education programs, and working with community partners to develop resources to enhance public awareness about early language and literacy development.
ReaLM conducts research on broad topics within the field of literacy education, including:
- Literacy development and academic learning
- Language-based disorders among English monolingual and multilingual students
- Family literacy processes and interventions to enrich the home language and literacy environment.
Some of the questions we address within our research projects include:
- What makes reading challenging for some children?
- How do literacy skills support math learning?
- What cognitive and linguistic skills relate to reading for children exposed to one or more languages?
- How does the home environment impact future academic success?
Improving children’s early reading development with new CFI funding
The funding from CFI will support Dr. Chan’s research program to apply a holistic approach in understanding children’s literacy development. Part of the award will go towards creating a family-friendly environment in the ReaLM Lab where children and caregivers can read and interact together naturally.
Get Involved!
The ReaLM Lab is currently seeking families of grade 2 and 3 children to participate in a study about activities in the home and children’s language, reading, and math skills.
What is involved?
-
- Your child will work one-on-one with one of our team members on a series of language, reading, and math measures
- Your child will complete 3-4 sessions (45 minutes each) in-person at a time convenient for your family
- Parents/caregivers complete a short survey (online/paper) about activities at home (10-15 minutes)
- You may request a report of your child’s abilities
You will receive a $25 gift card in appreciation of your participation.
Indicate your interest online or email us at realm.lab@ubc.ca.
Projects and Partnerships
This project aims to enhance the home literacy environment for families with elementary-aged children by collaborating with the Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) to create family resource literacy kits. These kits, focused on themes like Families, Nature, and Kindness, consist of books and activities designed to promote various literacy dimensions and encourage family engagement. By leveraging evidence-informed resources and community sessions, the project seeks to disseminate effective early literacy practices, increase accessibility to resources, and foster reading experiences at home.
The kits will be available for check-out at the downtown Kelowna library, 1390 Ellis St, starting mid-March. Families can also request to borrow the kit at the nearest Okanagan Regional library location.
This project is supported by a UBC Partnership Recognition and Exploration Grant
Special acknowledgements for Julia Magacho and Yukie Ueda for their contributions.
Meet the Team
Director of the Reading, Language, and Mathematics (ReaLM) lab
Dr. Jessica Chan (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor of Language Arts and Literacy Education in the Okanagan School of Education. Dr. Chan’s research focuses broadly on literacy development, why some students struggle with oral and written language, and how these language skills might impact learning in academic areas including mathematics. Her research aims to bridge the gap between research and practice to identify ways to facilitate early language and literacy serving the diverse families and learners across the Okanagan. Dr. Chan collaborates with community partners to develop literacy initiatives and resources that are family-focused and build public knowledge and understanding about reading development.
Research Assistants
We have a team of Literacy Education Specialists (Research Assistants) including both undergraduate and graduate students at UBCO across disciplinary backgrounds who have shared interests in child development, literacy, and diversity in education. They support ongoing research studies including research development and knowledge translation efforts in the community. They create a warm and welcoming environment for families and children participating in current studies.
Frances Radford
Frances (She/Her) has worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant with the ReaLM lab since May 2024. Frances firmly believes that reading is one of the most important skills that an individual can have. Not only does reading help us get through our day to day, reading also creates a space to learn new things, helps us ask questions, and reading has the ability to spark wonder, imagination, and curiosity. In her work with the ReaLM lab, she is constantly inspired to continue to find ways to guide others to connect with literacy in a supportive way. Frances is currently a Bachelor of Education student within the Okanagan School of Education and is on her own journey towards becoming a teacher. Through her practice, she explores pedagogical approaches that empower student agency. Frances is passionate about creating classroom learning environments that create space for student voice, inquiry, reflection, and a sense of belonging. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog Sadie, traveling and exploring different cultures, swimming in the lake, and experiencing all that the beautiful Okanagan has to offer!
With appreciation to the previous members to the ReaLM Lab team:
- Phoebe Hodgson
- Samantha Chow
- Abigail Fletcher
- Dora Chen
- Zoe Preston
- Danqi Li
- Hannah Cramer-Law
- Anna Marie Anderson
- Shane Andal
Stay Connected
Sign-up to receive updates from the ReaLM lab.
Questions?
Email us at realm.lab@ubc.ca.
Support Acknowledgement
The Lab has received support from:
- Elevate & Mobilize EDI Research Grants in Education (EMERGE), Faculty of Education, The University of British Columbia
- UBC Partnership Recognition and Exploration Fund