The Role of Multicultural Literature Essay - 1213 Words

As globalization is on the rise, so is the diverse student population rising in schools all over the United States, including students who are learning English as a new language. These students are English Language Learners (ELLs); they are learning English for the first time in addition to their native language. They’ve either had little or no knowledge of English before entering the school environment. According to the National Center of Educational Statistics (2013), an estimated 4.7 million or ten percent of the public school population are ELL students (NCES 2013). When formally entering the classroom for the first time, and depending on their prior experience with English, there are many ELL students who have a difficult time fitting†¦show more content†¦77). ELLs come from homes where a different language is spoken and a different culture is practiced. Different cultures have a set of traditions, beliefs and values that influence children’s way of thinking and behavior that carries along into the school environment, which is highlighted in Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. According to Vygotsky’s theory, the social and cultural atmosphere around the child contributes and influences the child’s cognitive development. (Vygotsky 1978 ). Consequently, Schimdt (1996) points to when the ELL goes into the school environment where there is a different culture, ELLs have to struggle with functioning within at least two cultures as they develop their literacy skills (pg.21). It makes the process much more difficult as they may feel alienated and confused between both cultures. Rist (1978) notes how the difficulties of ELL students struggling to fit in the classroom environment are attributed by the assimilationist perspective that places importance on success in the United States is only possible by conforming to the social culture of American society( Rist 1978). The perspective of that only one culture is dominant in the school setting, it inexplicitly sends a message to the ELLShow MoreRelatedHeightening Awareness On The Importance Of Using Multicultural Literature974 Words   |  4 PagesABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF USING MULTICULTURAL LITERATURE Heightening Awareness about the Importance of Using Multicultural Literature In their paper, Heightening Awareness about the Importance of Using Multicultural Literature, the authors, Susan A. Colby and Anna F. 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