Using cultural tools to develop scientific literacy of young Mexican American preschoolers

Building on the home cultural practices related to science can facilitate scientific literacy development of preschoolers. Using a sociocognitive and sociocultural approach and funds of knowledge as a theoretical framework, this article describes how Mexican American parents and young children identified the science concepts and knowledge learned from common activities found in their homes through the Family Institute for Early Literacy Development. Science skills and concepts were found in many activities related to Mexican American cultural practices such as gardening, cooking and home remedies. Parents were informed of the type of scientific readiness knowledge that schools expect children to bring from home, and in turn parents were able to explain to their children those concepts during the institute and at home. The success of the institute is founded on the opportunity given to parents to understand and implement school expectations for their young children.