Scribble Scrabble--Learning to Read and Write: Success with Diverse Teachers, Children, and Families

by Daniel R. Meier

Drawing on current research and his own teaching, Daniel Meier presents detailed and sensitive portraits of children learning to make sense of literacy during the crucial early childhood years. Included are conversations with children, parents, and teachers about how they view why it is important, where it comes from, and what it encompasses. What emerges is a rich affirmation of the important role that these beliefs and values play in literacy learning. Highly readable, Scribble Scrabble offers a cogent and timely discussion of ways to unite developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive literacy practices. Anyone concerned about developing the literary talents of young children will find this volume immensely satisfying. “Meier's stories of children's efforts to move beyond the early stages of ‘scribble scrabble’ reveal a conception of children's literacy as physical, personal, and powerful. In reading this lively book, the potential to improve the learning of both children and adults is portrayed in vivid color. “
- - Rebecca S. New , University of New Hampshire
“For teachers, parents, child care workers, and anyone interested in promoting learning, especially among disadvantaged children, this book is a must-read.”
-- Pedro Noguera , University of California, Berkeley
“As a teacher, this book heightens my awareness of the multiple layers of classroom literacy and offers ‘common ground’ between developmentally appropriate literacy and responsive literacy teaching.”
- - Carolee Fucigna , The Bing Nursery School, Stanford University
“Meier tells the stories of diverse learners and describes how we can see that literacy practice and theory can include children of color if we bother to look, as Meier does.”
-- Alexander Casareno, Portland State University

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Clare Froggatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great read to refresh and inspire me in my work with young children. It is an easy read, full of practical examples, case studies and ideas for placing value on the process of learning to read.