Innovations in Higher Education. Including Black Language in Early Childhood Education: Addressing Linguistic Diversity in Teacher Preparation

Resource Type: ArticleStandard 1Standard 4Standard 6Topic: Developmentally Appropriate PracticeTopic: Relationships and InteractionsTopic: Reflective PracticesTopic: Content Knowledge: Language and Literacy
Written By Kadisha Conteh

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/winter2024/including-black-language-ece

This article explores how teacher preparation programs can challenge "anti-Black linguistic racism" by teaching educators to value Black Language as a sophisticated, rule-governed system rather than "broken English." It suggests that by examining personal biases and learning the historical roots of the language, teachers can transition from correcting children to affirming their bilingual identity. This shift is presented as a critical step in creating equitable classrooms where African American children can express themselves authentically without fear of judgment or unfair discipline.

Organization/Author: Taajah Witherspoon and Teaira McMurtry, Young Children, NAEYC 

Type of Resource: Article

Publication Date: Winter 2024

Topic of issue of YC: Creating and Supporting High-Quality Early Learning Programs

Kadisha Conteh
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