Sustained research (such as “Connecting Students to Culturally Relevant Texts”, http://www.utpa.edu/dept/curr_ins/faculty_folders/gomez_l/docs/reading_3.pdf ), and other such studies, have explored and validated the fact that cultural-based literature is pivotal in the initial stages of a student’s “learning to read”. Prior knowledge helps students construct bridges that help in their making predictions and outcomes about poems, stories, essays or dramas read in the English classroom. Reading for pleasure and identity encourages and stimulates the recently arrived to make personal, more meaningful connections. In a “learning to read” environment, pleasure and enjoyment form the initial launching point for further literary development. The PPT presentation summarizes how to integrate CRL in the English classroom and the research and validation that supports it.

1. Integrating Culturally Relevant
Literature in the English
Classroom
by Manuel Hernandez Carmona
(Manny)

2. Definition
• The body of written works which
represent a specific system of
experiences, beliefs, values and
attitudes as depicted in the lives of a
group of people.
“Loiza Aldea”
by Victor Hernandez-Cruz
•

3. Characteristics
Words, verbal expressions, personal
portraits and places that carry a
particular meaning which is only
recognized by those who share a
particular culture.
“Boricua” by Tato Laviera

4. Characters
Folk heroes from the past or present,
real or fictitious, who possess
characteristics that are representative of
a culture. They also serve as models for
behavior and role models
for some.
“The Konk” by Piri Thomas

5. Language and Culture
“Myths concerning bilingualism by Francois Grosjean”
Mixing languages is a sign of laziness in bilinguals.
Code-switching and borrowing (Spanglish) is a very
common in bilinguals speaking to other bilinguals. The two
language inventories are available in bilingual situations
and can be used at will. Many expressions and words are
better said in the one or the other language; This said, in
other situations, bilinguals know that they cannot mix their
languages (e.g. when speaking to monolinguals) and they
then stick to just one language:
“En My Viejo San Juan” by Pedro Pietri
“My Graduation Speech” by Tato Laviera

6. Research
What does research say about how
"culturally relevant literature" can be
used as a vehicle to improve
students’ reading and writing skills?

7. What? Where?
• Primary research is obtained from people
close to the source itself. It can consist of
surveys, interviews, original studies, and
historical narratives.
• Secondary research is gathered from the
works of other researchers or scholars. It
derives from reading books, journal articles,
interviews, etc….

8. What role does the academic setting
have on academic performance?
• Cultural
Responsiveness, Racial
Identity and Academic
Success: A Review of
Literature. Hanley, M. S.
and Noblit, G. W.; June
2009; A Paper Prepared
for the Heinz
Endowments; 91 pages
• Researchers found
that ALANA (African,
Latino, Asian and
Native American)
students performed
best in settings that
built on their culture
and promoted their
racial identities.

9. How can culturally relevant texts
engage student reading?
• I Want to Read": How
Culturally Relevant
Texts Increase Student
Engagement in
Reading. Feger, M.;
Spring 2006; Multicultural
Education, Volume 13,
Number 3, Page 18-19;
ERIC Number:
EJ759630.
Source: ERIC
• The author describes how
culturally relevant literature
and non-fiction texts
increase her students'
engagement in reading.
Culturally relevant literature
and non-fiction, combined
with a focus on
collaboration and
comprehension strategies,
results in students' reading
comprehension skills

10. How do you integrate? The Pilot Program
Public School Teaching
Three English teachers: Two English Academic
Facilitators
•1. K-6th
grade (Fajardo)
•2. 7th
-9th
grade (Rio Grande)
•3. 10th
-12th
grade (Fajardo)
•How? What? A. Used TOC from current
textbooks, used and identified CRL B. Established
bridges C. Supplemented D. Created links with
pre-reading activities

11. The Pilot Results
• Originality and creativity is taken to other
levels.
• Increased results from pre-post diagnostic
tests.
• Attitude towards reading (English) changes.
• Life-long readers are empowered.
• Improved results in standardized testing.
• Writing skills are developed as a result of
their reading comprehension development.

12. How do you integrate? What are the
widespread results with CRL?
1.Courses at universities. UPR…Interamerican
University
2.Test Items in PPAA
3.Changes in textbooks
4.CRL as a bridge (reading approach).
5.Home-Schooling
6.Pride and Identity is boosted
7. Supplement