Abstract

In this chapter, we synthesize the cumulated knowledge on the relationship between the home language and literacy environment (HLLE) and the development of emergent literacy skills in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with a focus on low-SES households who speak Spanish or Portuguese. We begin with an overview of macro-level characteristics in the LAC region in order to contextualize our findings. The results are then organized according to key dimensions of HLLE: practices, beliefs, access to books, composite measures of HLLE and their relationship to emergent literacy skills. Finally, we reflect on the current state of knowledge in this field in LAC and discuss the implications for future research and practice.