Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides examples of teachers, schools, and curricula that are changing lives through literacy practices and instruction. It focuses on a variety of theoretical perspectives, while connecting to literacy practices within their home country and offering ideas for globally minded literacy teachers. The book explores three parts: early literacy; intermediate to adolescent literacy; and case studies. It provides literacy educators with a better understanding of literacy practices worldwide as well as examples of teachers who face challenges, and find ways to solve those problems while meeting the literacy needs of the children they teach. Sociocultural theory enables teachers to better understand others, and most importantly, to better teach students from diverse linguistic, racial, and cultural backgrounds. Literacy practices also differ across the globe based on government expectations, testing, and teacher preparation.