2021 Learning Objects

Teaching Early Grade Literacy to Migrant Children from Central America and the Dominican Republic

Bonilla Jarquín, Alex Martín; Guzmán Taveras, Lourdes Natalia; Meza Duriez, Rafael

This resource aims at helping NYC teachers and educators adopt a culturally relevant approach to the teaching of literacy to migrant populations from Central America and the Dominican Republic. The focus is on early grades (K-1 and K-2), but the content can be used for other grades and populations such as students with interrupted formal education. The first two chapters describe and analyze the general and educational contexts in Central America and the Dominican Republic to help teachers identify the skills and knowledge that their incoming students should have upon arrival. The third and last chapter guides teachers and educators on the use of culturally relevant pedagogy to teach early grade literacy. It integrates Central American and Dominican cultural tools and resources to explore the teaching of reading comprehension, phonological awareness, writing, and cultural awareness overall. This guide was produced in collaboration with the Central American and Early Literacy Network (RedLEI).