This volume draws together research and practice from the fields of literacy education and inclusion. It provides an insight into current theory, research and issues associated with teaching literacy to all students in inclusive classrooms. Literacy remains a critical success factor for students, as the basis for concurrent and future learning.

Drawing on examples of teaching from elementary school classrooms, this timely book for practitioners explains why LGBTQ-inclusive literacy instruction is possible, relevant, and necessary in grades K–5. The authors show how expanding the English language arts curriculum to include representations of LGBTQ people and themes will benefit all students, allowing them to participate in a truly inclusive classroom. The text describes three different approaches that address the limitations, pressures, and possibilities that teachers in various contexts face around these topics. The authors make clear what LGBTQ-inclusive literacy teaching can look like in practice, including what teachers might say and how students might respond. “Reading the Rainbow is a terrific, nuanced, practical resource that many ELA teachers should come to value. Children in their classrooms, whatever their identities, will be the better for it.” —Mombian “Reading the Rainbow invites us to enact justice in our classrooms as we honor our students’ rights and work to foster equity.” —From the Foreword by Mariana Souto-Manning, Teachers College, Columbia University “The field has been hungry for this book! It will allow elementary teachers to make immediate and impactful change in their classrooms.” —Elizabeth Dutro, University of Colorado Boulder “This is a warm and vigorous invitation for teachers to create more equitable classrooms where the full humanity of students is honored.” —Mollie V. Blackburn, Ohio State University

Break down the barriers to successful literacy instruction and empower students with special needs with these insightful tips, tools, and examples.

This book introduces a variety of inclusive strategies for teaching language and literacy in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Readers are invited into classrooms where racially, culturally, and linguistically diverse children’s experiences, unique strengths, and expertise are supported and valued. Chapters focus on oral language, reading, and writing development and include diverse possibilities for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching. Featured teaching strategies foster academic success, cultural competence, and critical consciousness—leading students to read their worlds and question educational and societal inequities. Early childhood teachers will find this book invaluable as they consider effective ways to teach diverse children. The hands-on examples and strategies portrayed will help educators expand their thinking and repertoires regarding what is possible—and needed—in the language and literacy education curriculum. Unique in its focus on equitable, fully inclusive, and culturally relevant language and literacy teaching, this important book will help K–2 teachers (re)think and (re)conceptualize their own practices. “Offers us a great opportunity to explore pedagogical strategies that are diverse and inclusive.” —From the Foreword by Gloria Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin–Madison “Readers will discover a treasure of teacher and student collaborative experiences to engage diverse learners.” —Yetta and Ken Goodman, University of Arizona “The authors offer rich vignettes and pragmatic guidance for learning about, responding to, and respectfully building community among children. We readers are in their debt.” —Anne Haas Dyson, University of Illinois “A beautifully written book filled with powerful examples. . . . I heartily recommend it for all teachers lucky enough to work on a daily basis with our brilliant early elementary students.” —Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University

This timely book counters the devastating effects of racism on children's learning with a focus on "revolutionary love." Sharing ways they've overcome personal and professional challenges in their teaching, the authors show readers how to unpack unconscious biases and examine common, but inherently racist practices that make learning difficult or impossible for many children of color. They offer in return practices that affirm and celebrate all students' identities, languages, and cultures--building a community of engaged, valued, and thoughtful learners. You'll find guidelines for selecting diverse children's books, and ways to use those books in reading and writing lessons that help children identify both glaring and veiled forms of racism and take an anti-racist stance. If you want to create a vibrant classroom community that honors the funds of knowledge that children of color and their families bring to school, this is the book for you.

Build literacy skills and concepts with these simple, fun lessons that include adaptations for children with special needs, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive delays, motor delays, speech/language delays, and emotional/behavior issues. A great grab-and-use book!

The how and why of teaching literacy skills to children with autism