My goal is to make all of my students feel welcome and safe, to know I am not only a teacher, but that I am an ALLY, and to create a classroom environment where everyone can THRIVE. My classroom library has grown dramatically over the years and more so as our curriculum encourages our learners to be independent readers. I have many genres on my bookshelves but when I think of my goal of having a more inclusive classroom, I realize that most of the titles in my library do not appeal to everyone.
My goal is to have books that embrace family diversity, support transgender and non-binary students, challenge gender stereotypes, and speak to gender inclusivity and LGTBQ students.
The Human Rights Campaign "Welcoming Families" at WelcomingSchools.org was my resource for choosing titles.
"Welcoming Schools and Time to THRIVE are national programs designed to help LGBTQ youth succeed. Welcoming Schools is the nation’s premier professional development program providing LGBTQ- and gender-inclusive resources to schools to reduce bullying behavior and establish a positive school climate. Time to THRIVE is an annual national conference that brings together K-12 educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals to build awareness and cultural competency to better support LGBTQ youth."
I chose 20 titles from the list to begin with. I also chose an area rug to give my library corner a more comfortable and inviting place for my students to browse through the shelves. Last year, I was able to get donations of various types of seating which I will continue to use to give students voice and choice when deciding how they will learn. Lastly, I would like to organize the shelves by using adjustable labels.
About my class
My goal is to make all of my students feel welcome and safe, to know I am not only a teacher, but that I am an ALLY, and to create a classroom environment where everyone can THRIVE. My classroom library has grown dramatically over the years and more so as our curriculum encourages our learners to be independent readers. I have many genres on my bookshelves but when I think of my goal of having a more inclusive classroom, I realize that most of the titles in my library do not appeal to everyone.
My goal is to have books that embrace family diversity, support transgender and non-binary students, challenge gender stereotypes, and speak to gender inclusivity and LGTBQ students.
The Human Rights Campaign "Welcoming Families" at WelcomingSchools.org was my resource for choosing titles.
"Welcoming Schools and Time to THRIVE are national programs designed to help LGBTQ youth succeed. Welcoming Schools is the nation’s premier professional development program providing LGBTQ- and gender-inclusive resources to schools to reduce bullying behavior and establish a positive school climate. Time to THRIVE is an annual national conference that brings together K-12 educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals to build awareness and cultural competency to better support LGBTQ youth."
I chose 20 titles from the list to begin with. I also chose an area rug to give my library corner a more comfortable and inviting place for my students to browse through the shelves. Last year, I was able to get donations of various types of seating which I will continue to use to give students voice and choice when deciding how they will learn. Lastly, I would like to organize the shelves by using adjustable labels.