Using Funds of Knowledge
Click on each of the following to see suggestions for using Funds of Knowledge.
1. Ways to learn families’ Funds of Knowledge include:
- Making phone calls to families
- Using social media to inquire about experiences and knowledge
- Offering meet-and-greet events
- Visiting children’s homes
- Creating surveys for families to complete
- Having open-ended interviews
2. Use flexible thinking and a strength-based approach with families to observe and become knowledgeable about their experiences and what they do, including:
- Celebrations
- Rituals
- Entertainment
- Trips
- Languages
- Cultural practices
- Cooking and cuisine
- Household chores
- Home remedies
- Art
- Agriculture
- Economics
- Sports
- Health
- Childcare
- Child rearing
- Technology
- Geography
3. Educators can provide a sense of belonging for children by using Funds of Knowledge throughout the curriculum, such as:
- Using Funds of Knowledge throughout interactions, the environment (schedule, transitions, play spaces, materials and equipment), and experiences.
- Including all curriculum and play areas (art, blocks, music, science, math, literacy, dramatic play, etc.) so children have opportunities to showcase their Funds of Knowledge.
- Providing play materials, music, books, activities, images, and displays that represent families’ Funds of Knowledge in a respectful way.