Article Title

Introduction to Art as Voice: Creating Access for Emergent Bilingual Learners

Authors

Amanda Claudia Wager, Lesley UniversityFollow
Vivian Maria Poey, Lesley UniversityFollow
Berta Rosa Berriz, Lesley UniversityFollow

Publication Date

Fall 2017

Abstract

In this introductory chapter, we begin by introducing ourselves, so that you immediately know our positionalities—who we are and the lens we see the world through—and in the hope to provide you with knowledge of why this special issue is so close to our hearts. We then share current demographic information regarding emergent bilingual learners to further explain the importance of this work today. In the current political context, the topic of displaced populations, immigration policies (such as The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [DACA]), refugees, as well as those who are undocumented is very alive in classrooms and relevant to our students’ lives. Case studies within this issue address the needs of displaced groups in a way that is inclusive and validates their lived experiences, providing a sense of belonging through the arts. After contextualizing these realities, we touch upon theories that drive this work, specifically relating to the arts, literacies, and language acquisition, and demonstrate how we have put these theories into practice by providing rich examples of using the arts as voice with emergent bilingual students, families, and communities. Finally, we conclude with an invitation to read onwards, to review the final chapter that includes multiple resources for those working with EB learners, and to develop and share your own bank of resources.

Recommended Citation

Wager, Amanda Claudia; Poey, Vivian Maria; and Berriz, Berta Rosa (2017) "Introduction to Art as Voice: Creating Access for Emergent Bilingual Learners," Journal of Pedagogy, Pluralism, and Practice: Vol. 9: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/jppp/vol9/iss1/5