Children using story to connect with others

Abstract

This article describes qualitative research by a teacher educator and student teachers who work with young children and families. The work focuses on story and uses critical theory as a framework (FREIRE, 1998). Critical theory emphasizes participation through personal histories, sharing of multiple ways of knowing, and transformative action. Critical literacy, an aspect of critical theory, addresses issues in an integrated and participatory way. In this research critical literacy is defined as a process of constructing and critically using language (oral and written) as a means of expression, interpretation and/or transformation of our lives and the lives of those around us. This research documents critical literacy implemented with adult learners in teacher education situations and their use of the methodology with children. Participants listen to each others’ stories, discuss issues of history and identity, and implement different forms of action, or transformation, in their lives.