Communicating Effectively and Meaningfully with Diverse Families

Katia González received her Ed.D. from Columbia University, Teachers College in New York. She is an Associate Professor of Education at Wagner College and Director of the Graduate Early Childhood Program. Dr. González’s research focuses on the impact of culturally responsive practices and intercultural connections in teacher education programs and schools.Rhoda Frumkin received her Ed.D. from Rutgers University in New Jersey. She is an Associate Professor of Education at Wagner College and Director of the Graduate Literacy Program. Dr. Frumkin’s research focuses on the impact of culturally responsive literacy learning and group dynamics.

• Preface ix1 Effective Communication MattersA Reflective Plan of Action 11 Introduction 12 Snapshot 73 Conclusion 84 Case Study: Families and Educators Creating Goals Together 92 What Does Your Curriculum Communicate? And What Do You Communicate about Your Curriculum? 121 Families, Teachers, and Students as Partners in Curriculum Planning 122 Snapshot 173 Conclusion 184 Case Study: Discussion Circles for Empowering Families – Ensuring that Everyone Has a Voice 185 Discussion Circles in Action 203 Community Assets as a Gateway for Teacher-Family Partnerships 241 Introduction 242 Snapshot 363 Conclusion 374 Case Study: Nature Walk Right in Our Own Backyard 384 Storytelling as a Form of Communication 421 Telling Stories: Its Impact on Early Childhood 422 Approaches to Storytelling 433 Storytelling to Foster Academic Skills in Children 454 Family Participation in Storytelling at Home: Teachers Providing Suggestion 465 Storytelling from Wordless Videos 476 Snapshot 477 Conclusion 488 Case Study: What Is in a Shoe? 485 The Joy of BooksCommunicating Ways to Select Culturally Responsive Readings 511 Ways to Select Books: Teachers and Families Working Together 522 Families and Children as Reading Partners 553 Snapshot 564 Conclusion 565 Case Study: Teacher Models Practice for Book Selection, Questioning, and Discussion 576 Communicating about Diversity Important Reflections 601 Meeting the Needs of Diverse Families in Schools 612 Snapshot 643 Conclusion 664 Case Study of Empowerment 667 Reflecting on Intercultural Communication and Cross-Cultural Partnerships 711 How Critical Reflection Helps When Working with Diverse Families 712 Frameworks for Reflection: Opportunities for Action 723 Snapshot 764 Conclusion 775 Case Study: Reflecting on Multiple Perspectives 77AppendixCase Studies: Culturally Responsive Practices and Intentional Intercultural Connections/Exchanges 81Index 113