Title

The Teacher Family Friendly Guide to Diverse Literacy and Dramatic Play

Author

Emily Kirshenbaum, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Non Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

Program

Early Childhood Education

Capstone Instructor

Nedra Robinson

Second Reader

Julie Gartrell

Keywords

diversity and inclusion, literacy, dramatic play, cultural appreciation, early childhood education

Abstract

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the need for a broader cultural understanding has led to a resurgence of diversity education. As educators we need to instill in children an appreciation of all cultures. The question now becomes "how can educators encourage children's ability to get along with each other when there are such wide differences among us in political history, ethnicity, language, and experience" (Quintero, 2004, p.56)? Mendoza and Reese (2001) like Quintero suggest that literature enables children to see the world from another perspective. "The characters and situations in books introduce children to what the world may look like through others' eyes and offers children a chance to further construct their own views of self and the world" (Mendoza & Reese, 2001, p.2). The literacy and dramatic play activities that teachers choose to include in the classrooms give children a picture of their world and shape their worldview. Including a diverse selection of literacy and dramatic play activities in the classroom enables children to appreciate the unique cultures that comprise our world.

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