Teaching Hispanic Children

Griego Jones and Fuller present information about the role of national origins and cultural backgrounds in teaching and learning and why it is important for teachers to know about culture in general, and about Hispanic cultural groups in particular. The history and background on culture is intended to provide knowledge and a deeper understanding of the lives of Hispanic children in the United States and to help teachers and prospective teachers expand their professional perspectives. In writing about classroom practice and how to work with family and parents, the authors have tried to directly address points identified in educational literature as effective practices for Hispanic children. There is a need for educators to understand their own thinking about Hispanic populations, to "reflect" on their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about populations that have long been part of the American landscape, but are now becoming a more visible part of it. The theme of reflection is carried out throughout each chapter with questions that will guide the reader to reflect on the content of the chapter and on the implications for themselves as professional educators. Provides an overview and demographic breakdown of the Hispanic population, including national origin, time in this country, geographical region, income level, and age. A theme of reflection is carried throughout with reflection exercises at the end of each chapter. Through various activities, preservice and inservice teachers are encouraged to begin developing their own methods and approaches to connecting with Hispanic students. Authors' Notes is a boxed feature in which the authors describe and reflect on their own experience as teacher educators."