Teachers (and parents) can broaden children’s experiences through thoughtful, inclusive choices in both literature and in choosing topics for project-based learning. Seeing a range of people reflected in books, and opening up topics that are inclusive, where everyone can contribute and feel connected, are just two ways to honor and celebrate the differences among us.
All children need and deserve to see themselves in books - to feel a part of the world represented in literature, through illustrations and photos. If they do not, they won’t necessarily feel the connection to literature as a whole and to specific stories that may reflect or expand their experience of the world. Children should also be looking at illustrations and reading stories that broaden their view of different cultures ... there is a wealth of great books out there to choose from.
It’s easy to find book lists that are inclusive and expansive, depicting children of all races, cultures, ethnicities, etc. Books that also show characters with disabilities, varied family structures, and in different living situations are so important, as they normalize things for children who may feel marginalized in some way.
In order to feel truly a part of play and learning situations, children must also be able to make connections to the materials featured in the classroom. Choosing topics for group activities that level the playing field opens the door for children with differing backgrounds and experiences to meet on common ground. Topics that are drawn from nature, for example, allow all children ... those who are learning a new language, those with special needs, those with fewer background experiences, even those with trauma in their past ... to join in and contribute.
Common subjects like leaves, snow, planting, motion ... the typical “science” explorations have shown to be great equalizers in our class. Using these types of topics to launch new vocabulary, build knowledge, and explore common questions, helps our students all get involved in the topics we explore. Using these projects to bring together all of our children has helped make our classroom a community, and give each child a voice. And, it has been a very happy voice!
Have fun - and promote equity!
All children need and deserve to see themselves in books - to feel a part of the world represented in literature, through illustrations and photos. If they do not, they won’t necessarily feel the connection to literature as a whole and to specific stories that may reflect or expand their experience of the world. Children should also be looking at illustrations and reading stories that broaden their view of different cultures ... there is a wealth of great books out there to choose from.
It’s easy to find book lists that are inclusive and expansive, depicting children of all races, cultures, ethnicities, etc. Books that also show characters with disabilities, varied family structures, and in different living situations are so important, as they normalize things for children who may feel marginalized in some way.
In order to feel truly a part of play and learning situations, children must also be able to make connections to the materials featured in the classroom. Choosing topics for group activities that level the playing field opens the door for children with differing backgrounds and experiences to meet on common ground. Topics that are drawn from nature, for example, allow all children ... those who are learning a new language, those with special needs, those with fewer background experiences, even those with trauma in their past ... to join in and contribute.
Common subjects like leaves, snow, planting, motion ... the typical “science” explorations have shown to be great equalizers in our class. Using these types of topics to launch new vocabulary, build knowledge, and explore common questions, helps our students all get involved in the topics we explore. Using these projects to bring together all of our children has helped make our classroom a community, and give each child a voice. And, it has been a very happy voice!
Have fun - and promote equity!