# Skilled Dialogue

Strategies for Responding to Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood, Second Edition

**Authors:** [Isaura Barrera, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=1000&Name=Isaura+Barrera,Ph.D.), [Lucinda Kramer, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=1272&Name=Lucinda+Kramer,Ph.D.), [T. Dianne Macpherson, M.S.W., LCSW](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=1081&Name=T.+Macpherson,M.S.W.,%20LCSW)

Ensure positive, respectful interactions with diverse children and families with the proven Skilled Dialogue model. This expanded edition includes explicit, practical guidance on today's most critical topics, from instruction to assessment.

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How can early childhood practitioners best respond to cultural and linguistic diversity and ensure positive interactions with all children and families? Discover the power of _Skilled Dialogue_, a unique, effective, and field-tested model for interactions that honor the cultural beliefs and values of everyone involved.

Going far beyond the fundamentals introduced in the first edition of this book, the fully updated second edition incorporates expanded coverage of today's most critical topics and reflects the real-world feedback of seasoned _Skilled Dialogue_ users. With this proven model for **respectful, reciprocal,** and **responsive** communication, pre- and inservice educators and interventionists will

- **understand culture** as a dynamic that shapes the behaviors and beliefs of all people
- actively **communicate respect** for what others believe, think, and value
- resolve issues creatively by **integrating diverse perspectives** from all parties
- strengthen **inclusive assessment and instruction**
- **reframe differences** between practitioners and families as complementary, not contradictory
- **leverage cultural diversity as a strength** rather than a "problem" or risk factor
- **avoid stereotypes** based on culture and ethnicity
- gain critical insight into the effects of **trauma** and how it interacts with culture
- establish **collaborative relationships** rather than seeking control over others

To support professionals as they put Skilled Dialogue into practice, this edition includes more explicit guidance, vivid examples, and practical photocopiable forms to aid with assessment, instruction, and organization of key family and child information.

With this comprehensive guide to a positive, highly effective model, early childhood professionals will establish skillful interactions that honor all cultures and perspectives—leading to stronger working relationships and better outcomes for whole families.

**WHAT'S NEW**

- More on assessment and instruction
- New forms that support differentiation of assessment and instruction
- Recent research and changes in early childhood education
- Revisions and additions that respond to user feedback
- Updated and expanded chapter on cultural diversity in relation to trauma
- Revised Self-Assessment and Reflection Guide

## Reviews

Rosa Milagros Santos, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"An invaluable resource . . . bridges what we know from current research to how we can make it real in our practices. This book is a must have for early childhood professionals whose work must begin with building healthy relationships with young children and families from all different backgrounds."

**Working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Families**
Undergraduate

**Human Relations in a Multicultural Society**
Undergraduate (EEC 222)

**Diversity and Inclusive Early Care and Education**
Graduate (SES 605)

**Fostering Partnerships in Early Intervention**
Graduate (SEI 507)

**Collaboration: Families and Professionals**
Graduate (SPED 520)

**Watch the video clips**

[Introducing Skilled Dialogue](https://youtu.be/P5x4TWLSrIk)

[The background and nature of Skilled Dialogue](https://youtu.be/u7Nv5wb25TY) 
[What makes Skilled Dialogue unique](https://youtu.be/K3sAdIsHFWU)

**View the toolkit**
Check out the resources, checklists, and videos in this free [Cultural Diversity Toolkit](/content/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cultural-diversity-toolkit.pdf)