Abstract:
This practical and interactive session will demonstrate and discuss how early grade teachers may effectively build on the diverse resources that children bring to their classrooms. Opening the classroom door to home and community texts will be seen to be an important part of recognising and capitalising on children's expertise. Doing so will further be seen to provide critical stepping stones for learning about texts and literacy practices that are important to children's current and later school success. Framed by a Social Model of Reading and Writing (Harris, McKenzie, Fitzsimmons & Turbill, 2001 & 2003), an inclusive approach that accounts for literacy as multi-faceted practices will be explored and applied to early grade classrooms.