Creating Everyday Spaces for Early Language and Literacy Learning: The Role of the Trusted Messenger

Studies have documented a striking rise in income inequality and opportunity gaps in young children’s access to literacy. Recognizing the need, this study examines the local laundromat as an organizational broker and how specially designed spaces within this setting may support children’s literacy-related activities in under-served neighborhoods. Three laundromats in neighborhoods were examined. This year-long study examined changes in children’s activities resulting from the design changes alone, and subsequent changes when trusted messengers from the neighborhood supported their culturally and linguistically diverse traditions. The results suggest that everyday spaces in neighborhoods can serve as cultural niches that become important sites for learning.