Learning to Read - How Culture Shapes Our Introduction to Literacy
Episode 42 - March 20th, 2021
*Scroll down for: Recommended books, online resources & related episodes*
One year ago, my friend Ann was here to help us understand “Why Should We Care About Kids’ Books?”.
And she’s back to take us from board books to emerging readers. BUT and it’s a big but. This is not just about learning to read. AND this is not just for people with kids in their lives. Ann is our deep dive guide, through the frustrating to the motivating, with book recommendations and a few laughs thrown in the balance it out.
This is an extra long episode to keep all this wonderful conversation in one place.
Scroll down for a summary of the different halves and all the tangents we took.
In the first half, we will take a look at cultural factors that influence our intro to literacy:
- Current Academic standards
- How standards have changed
- Importance of play
- Cultural pressures
- Sneaky marketing playing of parent’s fears
- The race to be exceptional to have a chance at success
- Backwards planning from university to preschool
Comparisons with Finland:
- Educational expectations
- Lack of pressure on parents to compensate
- Cultural values and public policy
- Free university
- What the Finnish Baby Box has to do with it
In the second half, we look at Ann’s personal story as a teacher and mom.
- How her twins learned to read in very different ways
- What made their experiences so different
- The impact of lockdown on learning to read
- Multilingual & dual language learners
- Academic support & learning needs
- Words of encouragement for parents
- Book and App recommendations
- Love for Libraries
- And so much more!
Recommended Books
Emerging Readers
Graphic Novels
Meghan’s pre-reading examples
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Alphabet board book
The Rabbit Listened: Story about processing feelings
Resources around Reading
First & Foremost
The Library for more than books. Librarians are a great resource for finding ways to engage young readers: books, audiobooks, resources & more.
Audiobooks
Audio Books are a great tool for connecting with literacy. As a bonus, use it as a calm down activity in the car or as an independent activity while the grown ups have an afternoon coffee break.
Recommended Apps
Epic! – A digital reading platform that safely fuels curiosity and reading confidence for kids 12 and under.
Vooks – Bringing reading to life with animated storybooks.
Khan Academy Kids – Reading, math, art and more. A fun educational app for kids ages two to eight.
Does Ann sound familiar?
This is her third time on Balancing Cultures. I highly recommend listening to and re-listening to her other episodes:
Related Episodes
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