Language, Place, and the Body in Childhood Literacies: Theory, Practice, and Social Justice (1) (Expanding Literacies in Education)

Synopsis

Challenging dominant views of early childhood language development and knowledge, this thought-provoking volume illuminates the importance of place, the body, and movement in opening space for young children’s improvisatory, creative, playful language practices.Bringing together a rich collection of contemporary research and diverse perspectives, the book centers on the premise that ‘where’ talk happens—be it spoken, mimed, signed, or assisted through one or more communication tools—is not a neutral backdrop or controllable variable. Rather, it is deeply entangled in the emergence of language from bodies, in how these vocalizations make their way into the world, what they might feel like and set into motion, and how they are received, heard and listened to by other humans and by non-humans. Chapter authors introduce theories about language, body, and place, while also providing examples of what this work may look like in practice.This book is key reading for those who work with young children and families, including teachers, pre-service teachers studying child development, speech and language therapists, support workers, and those in the arts, cultural and environmental sectors. It is also highly relevant to researchers, literacy education scholars, and anyone who endeavors to think more expansively and critically about language and literacy in early childhood contexts.

Copyright:

2026

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

280 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781040405611

Related ISBNs:

9781032620756, 9781040405567, 9781032677927, 9781032677910

Publisher:

Taylor & Francis

Date of Addition:

08/22/25

Copyrighted By:

selection and editorial matter, Khawla Badwan, Ruth Churchill Dower, Warda Farah, Rosie Flewitt, Abigail Hackett, Rachel Holmes, Christina MacRae, Vishnu Nair, and David Ben Shannon

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Education

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.

Edited by:

Khawla Badwan

Edited by:

Ruth Churchill Dower

Edited by:

Warda Farah

Edited by:

Rosie Flewitt

Edited by:

Abigail Hackett

Edited by:

Rachel Holmes

Edited by:

Christina MacRae

Edited by:

Vishnu KK Nair

Edited by:

David Ben Shannon