1st Edition

Supporting Literacies for Children of Color A Strength-Based Approach to Preschool Literacy

By Daniel R. Meier Copyright 2020
    188 Pages 30 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    188 Pages 30 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    A comprehensive theory-to-practice guidebook, Supporting Literacies for Children of Color argues for a new strength-based view of teaching to support the literacy talents and abilities of preschool-aged children of Color.

    The early childhood field is at a critical juncture in preschool literacy education as educators confront an ever-changing array of curricular approaches and assessment measures while still trying to meet the social, cultural, language, and literacy needs of individual children. By integrating parent and teacher literacy perspectives, as well as calling on the author’s own decades of teaching, this book offers practical tools and strategies for culturally responsive pedagogy and demonstrates effective methods for using oral language and multilingualism to celebrate and deepen the literacy capabilities of children of Color.

    Featuring examples of children’s literacy processes and products both at home and in preschools to illustrate effective instructional strategies, as well as boxes noting important ideas and strategies in each major section, this text will guide students and educators toward creating a supportive learning environment for children of Color.

    Introduction

    1. A Strength-Based Approach to Preschool Literacy Education

    2. Family Perspectives on Literacy Learning

    3. Teacher Perspectives on Literacy Education

    4. Culturally Responsive Approaches to Children’s Literature and Read-Alouds

    5. The Power of Aesthetics in Literacy and Art

    6. Transforming Literacy Education Through Teacher Inquiry and Reflection

    7. Next Steps for Changing Literacy Instruction

    References

    Glossary

    Biography

    Daniel R. Meier is Professor of Elementary Education at San Francisco State University, USA, and works as a literacy instructor in local preschools. He is the co-author of Documentation and Inquiry in the Early Childhood Classroom (Routledge, 2017) and co-editor of Narrative Inquiry in Early Childhood and Elementary School (Routledge, 2016), Educational Change in International Early Childhood Contexts (Routledge, 2014), and Nature Education with Young Children (Routledge, 2013).

    "Daniel Meier’s work centers on the child’s right to a strengths-based approach to literacy where cultural and linguistic strengths are recognized and supported. Using the perspectives of families and educators, Meier creates a holistic view of children as strong, agentic literacy users and producers that learn through play, natural curiosity, and discovery. Situated within various preschool contexts, he illustrates successful pedagogical practices that elevate the visibility and the literacy talents of children of Color within culturally responsive learning environments. Throughout the book, Meier weaves the theoretical frameworks and tools for educators to reflect on their own assumptions and biases regarding children of Color through critical inquiry, dialogue, and reflection as they develop their transformative literacy teaching. The combination of conceptual understanding and instructional strategies makes the book valuable for educators and scholars alike."

    Iliana Alanis, Ph.D., Professor of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, The University of Texas at San Antonio