Creating Diversity in the Classroom

Literature if used correctly can enhance a child’s life. It can become a valuable tool in helping children to understand their home, communities and the world in which they live. Through literature children’s vocabulary, imaginations, and self understanding is built. Children should be exposed to literature that is age appropriate and within the context of learning respect for themselves and others by the diversity of the books. My literature plan is based upon multicultural diversity which reinforces reading readiness, read-along that emphasis multicultural songs and rhymes, build self esteem through art, music and movement and responses to literature.

Children are unlikely to connect to the classroom environment if they cannot see images of themselves. According to Agosto (2007) children should have a sense of belonging and the aspects of their culture should be represent in the school environment. The criteria for choosing multicultural literature titles should be based upon students being exposed to people and characters such as themselves. When choosing books about these cultures the following guidelines from Clegg et al. describes what to look for in multicultural books from various author’s:

Joseph Bruchac states, choose books that show characters as true Native Americans and not as Indians. When selecting Native American literature be prepared to show the culture of the Native American’s today. Also, how they show great respect for living things.

Gary Soto states, Mexican-American books should be from the culture. Also, books that use Spanish words and phrases show respect for the culture; many books have English guides to help.

Floyd Cooper states, portraying African-Americans characters authentically ...

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References

Denise E Agosto. (2007). Building a Multicultural School Library: Issues and Challenges. Teacher Librarian, 34(3), 27-31. Retrieved May 20, 2010, from Research Library. (Document ID: 1204860561).

Clegg, L. B., Miller, E., Vanderhoof, B., Ramirez, G., & Ford, P. K. How To Choose The Best Multicultural Books. Instructor Magazine. Retreived May 22, 2010, from http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757

Giorgins, C. & Glazer, J. (2008). Literature for Young Children: Supporting Emergent Literacy, Ages 0-8 (6th edition). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.

Snuggs, Carla, (2002). Father's Day Preschool Activities: Daycare Activities to Honor Fathers and Loved Ones. Retrieved May 23, 2010, from http://day-care-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/fathers_day_preschool_activities#ixzz0ozeZnTlv