Supporting Literacies for Children of Color

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).

• 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

"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