Supporting Korean American Children in Early Childhood Education: Perspectives From Mother-Educators

Early childhood professionals can use this book to better serve Korean American children in the US, by sharing candid and vivid narratives that counter stereotypical and prejudicial beliefs about Asian American communities. The authors bring a wealth of hybrid positioning and experiences as former early childhood educators, first-generation Korean American immigrants, current teacher educators, and researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

Early childhood professionals can greatly benefit from this unique resource, which provides valuable insights into the lives of Korean American children and their families in the United States. Four transnational mother-educators, through candid and vivid narratives, challenge stereotypical and prejudicial beliefs about Asian American communities. The book covers various topics such as parenting beliefs and practices, naming practices, portrayals in children's picturebooks, translingual home practices, and responses to microaggressions. By raising awareness about these dynamics within the Korean American community, the text fosters a more nuanced discourse.

The authors of this book bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and experiences. They are former early childhood educators, first-generation Korean American immigrants, current teacher educators working with pre- and inservice teachers, and researchers in different states. Additionally, they are mothers of second-generation Korean American children, adding a personal touch to their narratives.

The book offers practical implications and considerations for classroom teachers, emphasizing family engagement, critical literacy, translanguaging, and social-emotional learning. It includes user-friendly features such as discussion questions, lesson ideas, and a list of appropriate picturebooks to enhance the learning experience.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for early childhood professionals who seek to better serve Korean American children and their families. It offers insights into the unique experiences and challenges faced by these communities, promoting a more inclusive and understanding approach to early childhood education. By dismantling narrow narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, this book contributes to the development of more equitable and inclusive learning environments for all children.

Dimension: 235 x 162 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768679