Supporting Literacies for Children of Color: A Strength-Based Approach to Preschool Literacy / Edition 1

by Daniel R. Meier

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367111861
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/02/2019
Pages:	188
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

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).

Table of Contents

Author Biography Acknowledgements Foreword Introduction SECTION I — DEEPENING OUR AWARENESS 1. A Strength-Based Approach to Preschool Literacy Education 2. Family Perspectives on Literacy Learning — Aspirations, Challenges, and Practices 3. Educator Perspectives on Literacy Education — Melding Philosophies and Practices SECTION II — ACHIEVING HIGH LEVELS OF EXCELLENCE 4. The Power of Children’s Literature — Book Selection and Teaching Strategies 5. Personal Journals, Drawing, and Dictation — Opportunities for Symbol Integration and Social Support SECTION III — INCREASED VISIBILITY 6. Teacher Inquiry, Documentation, and Reflection — A Professional Process for Transforming Literacy Education 7. Taking Action — Next Steps Toward a Strength-Based Literacy Education Appendix Index

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher