Living Together in a Diverse World: Bilingual Kindergartners' Conversations About the Stories of Two Mommies and Daddies

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: Literature, Bilingualism, and Children's Voices in Schools

Abstract

Although researchers have emphasized the importance of encouraging young students to be aware of diversity, there has been a serious paucity of studies on how teachers can open up critical conversations with young children about gender-nonconforming families. The current study aims to provide empirical examples of Mexican-origin bilingual kindergarten children’s reading of picture books that deal with gender-nonconforming families and gender fluidity. The data were collected for six months by audio/video- recordings, open-ended interviews, children’s artifacts, surveys, and observational field notes. Findings suggest that discussion about diverse social issues with flexible language alternation can be effective as a medium to support bilingual children in their growth as critical thinkers.

Authors

• So Jung Kim, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Song An, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Soyeon Park, San Francisco State University