Reading Between the Lines: Exploring Literacy Through A Culturally Relevant and Response Stance

This session will explore the challenges of today’s learners that are being asked to read not just text, but “the world”. We will consider the connections of Gloria Ladson-Billings’ theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy as it relates to early literacy programs. Participants will explore ways to critically analyze text and consider how our assumptions and biases impact comprehensive literacy programming. The session also seeks to explore how critical literacy practices can be infused into a play-based learning approach that supports early literacy development. Participants will discover how play paired with culturally relevant materials can be a powerful tool for learners to express their understanding of the world. We will reflect on how integrating critical literacy into early learning programming can enhance students’ ability to read and write. Join us to deepen your understanding of how critical literacy practices can transform early literacy programming.