Tools and Techniques for Promoting Early Literacy in BIPOC Communities

Register

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities are historically overlooked and underserved in the planning and implementation of education programming. In this course, Social Services Librarian Dee Brown will provide library staff with the knowledge and tools to promote early literacy development in these communities in a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally sensitive context. 

Participants will explore culturally responsive strategies, diverse children's literature, and community engagement practices to foster a love for reading and empower young learners from BIPOC backgrounds. Strategies for engaging families, caregivers, and the broader community to support early literacy will also be covered. By the end of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of effective early literacy instruction tailored to the needs and experiences of BIPOC children.

Through participation in this course, learners will:

  • Understand the importance of early literacy development and its impact on educational outcomes for BIPOC children.
  • Explore culturally responsive teaching practices and their role in supporting early literacy skills in BIPOC communities.
  • Identify and analyze culturally diverse children's literature that reflects the experiences and identities of BIPOC children.
  • Learn effective strategies to develop phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency skills in early learners from BIPOC communities.
  • Discover innovative methods to engage families, caregivers, and the broader community in promoting early literacy skills in BIPOC children.
  • Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that integrate culturally relevant content and activities to enhance early literacy learning in BIPOC communities.
Dee Brown is the Social Sciences Librarian at Haverford College. She earned her BA in English from Georgian Court University. She attended Drexel University for her MLIS and for many years focused on Children's Librarianship before returning to the world of academic libraries. She has participated in various panels, presentations, and research pertaining to representation in children's literature. She is a member of ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children), where she has served on Intellectual Freedom, Early and Family Literacy, and Early Childhood Programs and Services Committees.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

Register