Reading, Writing, and Talk: Inclusive Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners, K–2

Language and Literacy

by Mariana Souto-Manning, Jessica Martell (With)

This book introduces a variety of inclusive strategies for teaching language and literacy in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Readers are invited into classrooms where racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse children’s experiences, unique strengths, and expertise are supported and valued. Chapters focus on oral language, reading, and writing development and include diverse possibilities for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching. Featured teaching strategies foster academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness―leading students to read their worlds and question educational and societal inequities. Early childhood teachers will find this book invaluable as they consider effective ways to teach diverse children. The hands-on examples and strategies portrayed will help educators expand their thinking and repertoires regarding what is possible―and needed―in the language and literacy education curriculum. Unique in its focus on equitable, fully inclusive, and culturally relevant language and literacy teaching, this important book will help K–2 teachers (re)think and (re)conceptualize their own practices. Book

Genres: Education, School, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2016

Reviews

[Salamah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by my school administration and I really liked it. The premise of the book is how to actively recognize a child's culture and identity and respect it. The authors discuss why it is important to not put your thoughts and ideas (that my be biased) on a child. Instead learn about the child, where they are at in this point in the lives and how to make each child feel important by recognizing their talents. For example, there is one section in the book in which a bilingual child wrote about his an experience in his life. The writing is portrayed in the book. If we examine the writing via an English speaking individual who knows how to write "properly" we may say the student's writing is poor based on all the grammatical and spelling issues. However, if the writing is viewed from the idea that one is learning the language , we will see that the student was able to complete the assignment and provide great details about their experience. So we end up looking at the positives and what the child can do. I especially appreciate the part where the authors discusses why playing and talking if an important part of learning and that adults should not hinder this. There is a lot more to this book so it may be one that I reread later on.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was frustrated w/ 1st 2-3 chapters because I was looking for practical, classroom-ready teaching strategies. However, in chapters 4-6 the book really hit its full stride and I picked up some practices and ideas I am hoping to implement in my school. I also appreciated its vignettes and narratives about individual teachers and how they were seeking creative ways to meet the needs of individual learners in their classrooms. This was, and is, still, definitely a relatable theme from my practice and experiences in a few different schools, both private and public. I was a bit disappointed with the beginning chapters of the book and it felt very textbook-y at first, but then I encountered practical ideas and strategies I think I will actually use with students later in the text (see chapters 4-6).

For parents and community members, I would also recommend this read (use the Table of Contents to get to topics you are interested in) if you are looking for ways to support classroom teachers and students. This book helps both families and teachers see the needs that are present in schools through the personal stories Souto-Manning has included of diverse classrooms.

[JoEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and used for a book club with teams of teachers and literacy leaders.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica is a superstar! This is the type of culturally-responsive and inclusive teaching that should be overflowing in every classroom.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for my grad school class and enjoyed it. It Left me very inspired to get back into my classroom. My only wish was that there were more strategies and ideas that I could take into my classroom to try.

[Christina C · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my upcoming book review on Teacher's College Record