Early Literacy and Diversity

There are many different approaches to teaching early literacy, however two major forces are at play in the 1990s. There are forces advocating National Curriculum standards, outcomes and accountability. Alternatively, a post-modern view explores the links between language and power in diverse communities. This paper argues from a post-modern position that early literacy benefits from exploring different ethnic experiences, racial and gender relationships as they enrich, extend and enliven learning to read and write.

Several key principles for planning an early literacy curriculum are discussed including finding and using children's funds of knowledge’, building democratic communities in early childhood settings, honouring diversity amongst children and teachers, as well as finding strategies which effectively engage children. Finally, above all else, the notion of having fun together in reading and writing is stressed.