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

Compared to results from 2004, there does appear to be a slight decrease on half of these
Family Learning and Cultural Activities for this 2005 report. In particular the areas of; Visit
a Library, Gone to a Gallery – Museum – Historical Site, and Visit a Zoo – Aquarium are the
lowest that they have ever been since 2000.

 

Data Sources and Context

Data on this indicator comes from a random digit dial statewide telephone survey of Maine
households with children/youth present who are age 18 or younger. There were 403 respondents
to this survey, each an adult in the household who self-identified as a parent. This survey was
conducted by Critical Insights, a strategic marketing research firm in Portland, Maine. This survey
for this 2005 report was completed in January 2006. Data is not available every year on this
indicator due to funding limitations.

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