Artisan with Words: Transnational Funds of Knowledge in a Bilingual Latina’s Narratives

Abstract

Jeniffer, a self-proclaimed “schoolgirl” who was a bilingual Mexican American fifth-grade student, lacked confidence in her abilities in reading and language arts. However, her dialogue journal correspondence with her teacher in her native language of Spanish describing her transnational experiences demonstrated vivid, descriptive writing with artisan-like qualities that mirrored the gifts of her father (a carpenter). In this qualitative case study, Jeniffer’s journal entries are highlighted and demonstrate her metacognitive strategies and strong voice. Implications point to the importance of validating and including students’ language(s), experiences, and funds of knowledge into their literacy engagements in school.