These books will all be added to our classroom library. As a first year teacher, adding new books for my students is very important. Books are a very important part of the classroom, and a great diving off point for necessary and sometimes difficult conversations, as well as points of connection. Starting out the year in a completely virtual environment, we will read many books together discussing inclusiveness and how we want our classroom environment to be. After reading these books discussing classroom climate and how we should treat each other, students will reflect by themselves about how they can treat others better discuss with each other to create a set of classroom rules to make a welcoming learning environment for all. Additionally, books can help us talk about difficult topics, such as racism. For example, last spring, I wanted to talk with my students about George Floyd and the protests they were seeing around the city and country, and used a book to help introduce the topic in a kid friendly way, which then led to discussions about police brutality and racism.
Diverse books can create mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors for all students.
By mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, I mean we use books for students to see themselves and their cultures and languages (mirrors). Books can help students build empathy and see cultures and languages and people different than themselves too (windows). And finally, book can be a way to participate in and connect with other people and cultures (sliding glass doors). Mirrors are especially important for students of color because the majority of books and resources used in classroom focus on White studies, families, cultures, and viewpoints. However, when using diverse books, students are more likely to connect and feel seen, valued, and recognized.
About my class
These books will all be added to our classroom library. As a first year teacher, adding new books for my students is very important. Books are a very important part of the classroom, and a great diving off point for necessary and sometimes difficult conversations, as well as points of connection. Starting out the year in a completely virtual environment, we will read many books together discussing inclusiveness and how we want our classroom environment to be. After reading these books discussing classroom climate and how we should treat each other, students will reflect by themselves about how they can treat others better discuss with each other to create a set of classroom rules to make a welcoming learning environment for all. Additionally, books can help us talk about difficult topics, such as racism. For example, last spring, I wanted to talk with my students about George Floyd and the protests they were seeing around the city and country, and used a book to help introduce the topic in a kid friendly way, which then led to discussions about police brutality and racism.
Diverse books can create mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors for all students.
By mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, I mean we use books for students to see themselves and their cultures and languages (mirrors). Books can help students build empathy and see cultures and languages and people different than themselves too (windows). And finally, book can be a way to participate in and connect with other people and cultures (sliding glass doors). Mirrors are especially important for students of color because the majority of books and resources used in classroom focus on White studies, families, cultures, and viewpoints. However, when using diverse books, students are more likely to connect and feel seen, valued, and recognized.
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