Discussion: Week 4: Possible Effects of Poverty on Young Childrens Language and Literacy Development

Imagine that there are two 4-year-old girls standing in front of you. One girl, whom you might assume to be from a more economically affluent home, has hair that cascades down in neat curls, a dress ablaze with bright colors, and a new princess lunchbox in her hand. The other girl appears a bit unkempt, with mismatched socks and a sweet, yet sleepy, smile. Without hearing either girl speak, which might you select as the one with a greater vocabulary? Why?