How do we create learning environments that concentrate on developing students into critical thinkers? 

Let's be honest ... the way we speak to communicate with our family and friends and how we teach writing and language in academia are very different. 

As Early Childhood Educators, we condition children at a very early age to believe that there is a "right" and "wrong" way to express their ideas - without acknowledging that what we've called American Standard English is a social construct.  

This episode discusses Linguistic Justice with Erika Parker-Havens of Brooklyn, New York. Erika Senior Instructional Coach for EdTech, a non-profit focused on writing instruction. 

• [00:01:06] A language exercise that you can do to celebrate different languages with your students. 
• [00:01:21] Get to know Erika Parker-Havens and learn how this Brooklyn New York Native became the Senior Instructional Coach for EdTech, a non-profit focused on writing instruction. 
•  [00:03:31] Learn how Linguistic Justice allows educators to acknowledge the history and evolution of language - Listen as Erika explains how she defines Linguistic Justice and the three things educators should focus their attention on the welcome the idea. 
• [00:07:32] How can educators reframe how we think and ultimately teach our learners about language correctness? 
• [00:09:45] As Early Educators, how can we use Linguistic Justice to honor children's writing development - Listen as Erika, and I discuss the idea of language correctness and supporting the developmental journey of children.
• [00:14:48] What do many adults have in common with first graders? It turns out more than we think around using writing as a creative outlet. Listen as we share strategies to help students and teachers return to the joy of writing. 
• [00:18:18] The importance of conventional text in reading and language comprehension. 
• [00:19:38] Erika cites thought-leaders in Linguistic Justice as her most significant influence - however, this well-researched educator has done some great work on her own - Listen as shares her perspective behind two of my favorite quotes from her. 
•  [00:25:39] What advice would Erika give to an Early Childhood Educator interested in developing their knowledge in Linguistic Justice? Here she shares three tips.
• Get to know Erika Parker-Havens.

Connect With Erika Parker-Havens

• Erika's Instagram
• Erika's Website

Mentioned:

Let's Talk About Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Hugo Basurto

Book Recommendations: 

• She Come Bringing Me That Little Baby Girl - Eloise Greenfield 
• Flossie and the Fox - Patricia McKissack
• Callaloo: A Jazz Folktale - Marjuan Canady

Resources: 

• Interested in learning how we can work together? 
• Music by Matt Halpern

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