Culturally Informed Literacy Instruction in the Elementary Classroom: A Framework for Telling Our Stories

By: Priscilla L. Griffith and Jiening Ruan

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Synopsis: This text introduces an original, scalable instructional framework called Telling Our Stories (TOS), an approach for supporting culturally informed literacy instruction in the elementary classroom. Connecting the theory to practice, the TOS framework centers the cultural heritage and experiences of students and offers a roadmap to scientifically and pedagogically sound instruction. Aligned with current curriculum standards, chapters feature authentic examples and case studies, reflection questions, and writing activities that will foster a culture of inclusion, community, and academic rigor. The many practical strategies promote students’ learning and appreciation of diversity through academic reading and writing as well as positive school-family and school-community relations. Readers will come away with new ideas, tools, and a thorough understanding of how to integrate culturally informed practices in ways that support the learning of all children. Accessible and comprehensive, this is an essential text for pre-service teachers in courses on ELA methods and literacy instruction, as well as practicing teachers.