Study title

This is a 42-month project, from September 2009 to February 2013. The aims of the research are to examine the scope and nature as well as what it means in children's lives to participate in faith literacy activities. The research will take place in London with 12 families from 4 faiths highly significant in the lives of newcomers who have migrated since the mid twentieth century: the West African Pentecostals, the Tamil Hindu, the Bangladeshi Muslim and the Polish Catholic communities. The research aims to develop collaborative ethnography, whereby both children and older members of each faith (aged over 50) will participate in data collection and analysis. Over the 42 months, the research will: build up a detailed picture of language and literacy practices in each setting -- analyse ways in which children aged between 5 and 12 go about learning in formal and informal contexts -- investigate the change in faith literacy practices over time through an intergenerational book making activity -- examine the importance of faith literacies in children's everyday lives. The research will culminate in a joint event to celebrate children's faith literacies across all groups as well as contributions to international conferences for wider dissemination of findings.