Multimodal Literacies in Young Emergent Bilinguals: Beyond Print-Centric Practices

This book explores how young emergent bilingual children make meaning in diverse cultural and linguistic settings, using theoretical frameworks and practical pedagogical recommendations to promote positive literate identities and learning experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Multilingual Matters

This book delves into a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted meaning-making processes of young emergent bilingual children in diverse cultural and linguistic contexts. It draws upon a diverse range of theoretical frameworks to expand traditional notions of literacy, particularly for students embarking on the journey of learning English as a new language. Through insightful original research studies, readers gain valuable insights into the various strategies and approaches practitioners can employ to nurture and enhance student assets, fostering positive literate identities and enriching learning experiences. The chapters offer practical pedagogical recommendations and implications tailored for teachers, enabling them to seamlessly integrate multiple modes of teaching literacy into their classrooms. This book serves as an invaluable resource for educators seeking to effectively engage and support diverse student populations, ultimately promoting literacy success for all learners.

Introduction:
This book explores the intricate processes of multimodal meaning-making among young emergent bilingual children in diverse cultural and linguistic settings. It draws upon a wide array of theoretical frameworks to expand our understanding of literacy, particularly in the context of students acquiring English as a new language. By presenting original research studies, the book offers valuable insights into the various avenues practitioners can take to ensure that student assets are strengthened, promoting positive literate identities and enriching learning experiences.
Chapters:
Chapter 1: Theoretical Frameworks and Multimodal Literacy
In this chapter, the book introduces key theoretical frameworks that underpin the study of multimodal meaning-making. It discusses the importance of considering the interplay between language, visual, and spatial modes of communication in understanding how children construct meanings. The chapter also highlights the significance of cultural and linguistic backgrounds in shaping children's multimodal practices and the need for educators to be aware of these factors.
Chapter 2: Research Studies on Multimodal Meaning-Making
Chapter 2 presents a series of original research studies that explore the multimodal meaning-making processes of young emergent bilingual children in different cultural and linguistic contexts. These studies examine the ways in which children use various modes of communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, body language, and visual materials, to convey their ideas and understandings. The chapter highlights the unique strengths and challenges that children face in these contexts and provides practical pedagogical recommendations for teachers.
Chapter 3: Practical Pedagogical Recommendations and Implications
Chapter 3 summarizes the key findings from the research studies and provides practical pedagogical recommendations for teachers. It discusses the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that encourages multimodal communication and collaboration. The chapter also emphasizes the significance of incorporating visual and spatial modes of communication into literacy instruction, particularly for students who are learning English as a new language.
Chapter 4: Conclusion and Future Directions
In Chapter 4, the book concludes by summarizing the key insights and recommendations presented throughout the book. It highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of students and providing tailored literacy instruction that accommodates their needs. The chapter also suggests potential areas for future research in the field of multimodal meaning-making among young emergent bilingual children.

Dimension: 234 x 156 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800412347