Research Summary
Children’s early experiences with literacy provide a critical foundation for their future success. Although there is widespread consensus that educational systems need to produce literate individuals, how schools should go about doing this remains the subject of much debate. Dr. Kimberly Lenters, Canada Research Chair in Language and Literacy Education, believes that no single style of teaching can ensure literacy for all.
Lenters and her research team are examining innovative approaches to teaching literacy that are informed by concepts such as collaboration and possibility. More specifically, they are examining early literacy in outdoor-based schools to understand how these schools shape and implement language and literacy instruction. Ultimately, Lenters’ goal is to nurture children’s literacies and challenge the normative narratives of early literacy development.