Cultural Conflict and Struggle : Literacy Learning in a Kindergarten Program

by Schmidt, Patricia Ruggiano

• ISBN13: 9780820437576
• ISBN10: 0820437573
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1998-03-01
• Publisher: Peter Lang Pub Inc

Table of Contents

Dedication	v	(6)
Acknowledgments	xi	(2)
Preface	xiii	(4)
Foreword	xvii
1. Introduction: History of the Struggle	1	(10)
Assimilationist Perspective	1	(2)
Early Childhood Language-Minority Literacy	3	(1)
Sociocultural Programs	4	(2)
Exploring the Classroom Culture	6	(2)
Summary of the Struggle	8	(3)
2. The Setting: Home and School Cultures	11	(12)
Peley	11	(1)
Peley's Home and Family	12	(2)
Raji	14	(1)
Raji's Home and Family	15	(1)
Mrs. Starr	16	(1)
Kindergarten Classmates	17	(1)
The Kindergarten Program	18	(1)
East Side Elementary School and Staff	19	(2)
Summary of Settings	21	(2)
3. Isolation: Working and Playing With Others	23	(16)
Pretty Red Rug	23	(2)
Whole Group Lessons	25	(1)
Learning Centers	26	(7)
Special Classes	33	(1)
Finding Friends	34	(1)
Summary of Work and Play	35	(4)
4. Conflict and Struggle: Literacy Learning Program	39	(34)
Background of the Formal Literacy Program	39	(1)
Learning Centers and Teacher-Developed Activities	40	(1)
Learning Centers	41	(1)
Teacher-Developed Activities	42	(3)
Beginning Formal Reading and Language Instruction	45	(1)
Literature-Based Reading Series	46	(2)
The Top Reading Group	48	(5)
ESL Program	53	(3)
The Language Program	56	(1)
Writing-to-Read	57	(11)
Summary and Evaluation of Literacy Learning	68	(5)
5. Tinsel and Tension: Holidays and Celebrations	73	(16)
Columbus Day	74	(1)
Halloween	75	(2)
Thanksgiving	77	(1)
Christmas	77	(1)
New Year's Day	78	(1)
Valentine's Day	79	(1)
Marvelous Mother's Day	80	(1)
St. Patrick's Day	81	(1)
Easter	82	(1)
Pajama Party	82	(1)
Birthdays	83	(1)
Kindergarten Graduation	84	(2)
Summary of Tensions	86	(3)
6. Confusion: Home and School Communication	89	(16)
Family Struggles	89	(1)
Family Communication Struggles	90	(2)
School Communication Struggles	92	(4)
Staff Perceptions and Communication	96	(6)
Summary of Home and School Communication	102	(3)
7. Classroom Community: Diversity and Literacy	105	(18)
Work and Play Suggestions	106	(3)
Formal Literacy Learning Suggestions	109	(4)
Holidays and Celebration Suggestions	113	(2)
Home and School Communication Suggestions	115	(5)
Where Do We Go From Here?	120	(3)
8. Epilogue: Teacher as Change Agent	123	(16)
Becoming Aware	123	(1)
Studying for the Project	124	(1)
A Positive Start	125	(1)
Reflections on Changes in Classroom Practice	126	(2)
Changes in Other Classrooms	128	(1)
Reflections on Changes Between Home and School	129	(2)
Changes Between Home and School in Other Classes	131	(1)
Reflections on Conflict: Responses to Change	132	(2)
Summary of Changes	134	(5)
Reference List	139	(14)
Index	153