Reading, Writing, and Talk

Book excerpt: This book invites readers to consider ways in which their language and literacy teaching practices can better value and build upon the brilliance of every child. In doing so, it highlights the ways in which teachers and students build on diversities as strengths to create more inclusive and responsive classrooms. After inviting readers to consider and better understand the diverse language and literacy practices of diverse chidlren, it offers invitations for teachers to make these practices foundational in their own classrooms and to consider meaningful possibilities for learning authentically with young children in primary grades. It features chapters that focus on oral language, reading, and writing development, all while recognizing that these are not separate. In each of these chapters, readers are invited to consider diverse possibilities, perspectives, and points of view in practice within primary grades classrooms. Throughout, it offers ways to foster classroom learning communities where racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse chidlren are supported and valued.