Translanguaging Literacies: Translanguaging in Latinx Children's Literature and Literacy Instruction

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Criticality in Bilingual Language Policies and Practices in Schools and Society

Abstract

This paper examines how translanguaging is used in Latinx children’s literature, focusing on both the content that develops Latinx bilingual identities and how translanguaging is used to create spaces to grow bilingual literacies. The literature on translanguaging has focused on translanguaging as a theoretical framework and pedagogy. We seek to expand the ways translanguaging is considered as practice and pedagogy. Studying the use of translanguaging in children’s literature provides ample ground for understanding authentic language practices, curriculum, and pedagogy. The implications of such analysis extend beyond the singular reading of texts to the communal experiences with children, inventories of classroom libraries for culturally and linguistically sustaining texts, and teaching practices that highlight translanguaging literacies.

Authors

• Carla España, Hunter College

• Luz Yadira Herrera, California State University - Channel Islands