Indicator: 20 - Families' Learning and Cultural Activities

Why This Is Important

Part of nurturing the development of children is to provide opportunities for them to explore
their community. Exposure to various educational and cultural environments can expand children’s
knowledge and understanding of their world, and it can help them learn how to learn. Families
need opportunities in their community to nurture a child's intellect and sense of wonder.

 

 

 

Where We Stand

Similar to what was found in 2001, over half of the respondents reported that they were involved
in one or more cultural or learning activities with their child(ren) in the past month. For most of those activities, the percentage reporting such involvement increased in 2004, sometimes significantly.

 

 

Data Sources and Context

Data on this indicator comes from a statewide telephone survey of Maine households with children
present who are age 18 or younger. The respondent to this survey was an adult in the household
who self-identified as a parent. The indicator is similar to indicators used by the Maine Development Foundation in their previous surveys of Maine citizens, or other national surveys of families, so that
the data could be used to monitor trends over time and to compare Maine to the nation. This
2004-2005 survey was conducted by Critical Insights, a strategic marketing research firm in
Portland, Maine. During the months of December 2004 and January 2005, 400 Maine adults
responded to the survey.

The adults were asked the following: “In the past month, have you or has someone in your family
done the following things with your child/children.”

• Visited a library
• Gone to a play, concert, or other live show
• Visited an art gallery, museum, or historical site
• Visited a zoo or aquarium
• Talked with your child about his/her family history or ethnic heritage
• Attended an event sponsored by a community or religious group