Shaping Awareness, Understanding and Acceptance of Diversity Through Children’s Literature: Lessons from the Classroom
- William Terry (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Students in the education field play a crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations. This responsibility includes not only teaching children basic academic skills, but also life-long skills of strong self identity, respect for others, and thinking globally. Children’s literature is a powerful medium through which many of these lessons can be taught. One way to use children’s books is to create conversations around diverse experiences. However, if not selected carefully, many children do not “see” themselves in the books they read. An article by Long (1984) reported between 1958 and 1984 only four children’s books portraying interracial themes were published. While this is changing, it has not kept up with the changing faces of today’s schoolchildren. Having literature available related to all types of diversity is known to decrease the impact of bullying. Arming teachers with this knowledge creates powerful change in how children’s literature is used in purposeful and meaningful ways. Using a set of books provided through the Iowa Department of Education related to topics such as race, family structure, differing abilities, and socioeconomic status, participants will explore how books can be used to create conversations around important topics. You will likely be surprised to find that children’s literature is really not just for kids, but inspiring to adults as well!