Using information gathered from a combined first and second grade classroom over two years
this book explores the students' routine actions in school including their views about
different literacy activities their favorite part of school life peer culture in both the
boys' and the girls' worlds issues of gender power the integration of the teacher's official
discourses and the children's unofficial culture and the kind of school life children wish to
have. Focusing on children's voices and perceptions this book provides insight that will help
educators preserve an accurate view of school culture and create effective policies in
education. The book's interdisciplinary approach extensively applies theories and perspectives
from educational philosophy educational anthropology sociology post-structuralist theories
narratives semiotics literacy education cultural studies and critical ethnography. Through
these disciplines the book provides many critical perspectives on early childhood literacy
education classroom culture and identity construction for educators to incorporate into
curriculum design and to reflect on the potential consequences resulting from instructional
decisions.
