Young Children's Construction of Citizenship Through Critical Geography

• In Event: 44.076 - Beyond Borders in the Social Studies

Abstract

This paper uses the frames of civic action and critical geography to examine how young children engage civically via the physical space and materials in their classroom and school. Drawing on ethnographic research we argue the following: 1) Children reform their environment to make the community work for them; 2) They use their space to reflect both personal and group membership in their community; 3) They use space to extend the boundaries of their communities and define community outside the purview of adults. By conceiving of schooling space as civically constructed, teachers can better recognize and value student’s civic action.

Authors

• Katherina Ann Payne, The University of Texas - Austin

• Anna Falkner, University of Memphis

• Jennifer Keys Adair, The University of Texas - Austin