To borrow a few words from William Feather: “Books open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can.” Clearly, books don’t merely exist to spark our imaginations - they are meant to open and broaden our minds. For my third graders, as they explore their own identities as 8- and 9-year olds, diverse books are both a reflection of my students and an open door to learn about others. Seeing themselves represented in books allows my students to explore their own sense of self. It will strengthen their self-esteem and their sense of belonging. Hence, my students will be empowered to express who they are as unique individuals.
Most importantly, diverse books emphasize our similarities while celebrating our differences, so that all the individuals in our class can collectively be members of an inclusive community. Reading about people from different backgrounds who hold different perspectives and live different experiences will broaden my students’ understanding of the world around them. Reading diverse books will spark class discussion in a safe space, spark their curiosity to learn more, and help them develop empathy. My students will not just be able to acknowledge there are differences in our communities but truly appreciate and honor those differences.
Ultimately, diverse books will broaden my students' perspectives of themselves, others, and the world. So, the next time they meet someone different from them, they will not see that individual as “other” - but as a unique human being... just like them.
About my class
To borrow a few words from William Feather: “Books open your mind, broaden your mind, and strengthen you as nothing else can.” Clearly, books don’t merely exist to spark our imaginations - they are meant to open and broaden our minds. For my third graders, as they explore their own identities as 8- and 9-year olds, diverse books are both a reflection of my students and an open door to learn about others. Seeing themselves represented in books allows my students to explore their own sense of self. It will strengthen their self-esteem and their sense of belonging. Hence, my students will be empowered to express who they are as unique individuals.
Most importantly, diverse books emphasize our similarities while celebrating our differences, so that all the individuals in our class can collectively be members of an inclusive community. Reading about people from different backgrounds who hold different perspectives and live different experiences will broaden my students’ understanding of the world around them. Reading diverse books will spark class discussion in a safe space, spark their curiosity to learn more, and help them develop empathy. My students will not just be able to acknowledge there are differences in our communities but truly appreciate and honor those differences.
Ultimately, diverse books will broaden my students' perspectives of themselves, others, and the world. So, the next time they meet someone different from them, they will not see that individual as “other” - but as a unique human being... just like them.
Read more