Rethinking Early Literacies theorizes literacy for young children in a way that invites readers to rethink theoretical constructs framing understandings of literacy in contemporary society. Examples from a variety of sites, involving diverse children ages 3-8 prompt reconceptualizations of children’s literate identities, challenge how diverse language learners are defined, and revise and expand the notion of texts to encompass digital tools and popular culture. Issues influencing early childhood education and how young children are positioned given trans/national social and political contexts are considered throughout.
Mariana Souto-Manning is Associate Professor and Program Coordinator of the Early Childhood Education Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.Haeny Yoon is an Assistant Professor in the Early Childhood Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA.