Play-Based Literacy Instruction

Author(s):  
Afra Ahmed Hersi ◽  
Jessica Bernacki

Too often, young children in kindergarten spend their time on worksheets and paper and pencil tasks, rather than being given developmentally appropriate instruction that incorporates active learning and play. This study explores the relationship between dramatic play and vocabulary development in an urban kindergarten classroom. We report on data from six culturally and linguistically diverse students, who participated in play-based vocabulary instruction. The findings suggest that dramatic play with teacher involvement helped participants' vocabulary gains. The study findings suggest the potential benefit of dramatic play. The authors offer recommendations, and explain challenges and limitations of the study.

2019 ◽  
pp. 50-68
Author(s):  
Afra Ahmed Hersi ◽  
Jessica Bernacki

Too often, young children in kindergarten spend their time on worksheets and paper and pencil tasks, rather than being given developmentally appropriate instruction that incorporates active learning and play. This study explores the relationship between dramatic play and vocabulary development in an urban kindergarten classroom. We report on data from six culturally and linguistically diverse students, who participated in play-based vocabulary instruction. The findings suggest that dramatic play with teacher involvement helped participants' vocabulary gains. The study findings suggest the potential benefit of dramatic play. The authors offer recommendations, and explain challenges and limitations of the study.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 81-88
Author(s):  
Sandy K. Bowen ◽  
Silvia M. Correa-Torres

America's population is more diverse than ever before. The prevalence of students who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse (CLD) has been steadily increasing over the past decade. The changes in America's demographics require teachers who provide services to students with deafblindness to have an increased awareness of different cultures and diversity in today's classrooms, particularly regarding communication choices. Children who are deafblind may use spoken language with appropriate amplification, sign language or modified sign language, and/or some form of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).


In this chapter, the author presents the metaphor Green Thumb Educating to describe a culturally responsive approach common amongst culturally responsive educators in literature. Through this culturally responsive approach, students are empowered and held to high expectations and supported through rigorous academic obstacles. The author demonstrates how educators' beliefs about developing positive and meaningful rapport with children shapes their culturally responsive approach. The author makes the case that culturally responsive educators, also known as Green Thumb Educators, approach the teaching and learning process by first prioritizing the development of meaningful relationships with students. Culturally responsive educators approach culturally and linguistically diverse students like ESL learners by creating a sense of belonging in their classroom through the development of meaningful relationships.


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