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Mrs. Monterusso’s Classroom Edit display name

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In 2018 only 23% of characters in children's books were black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). Seeing this statistic recently caused me to reflect on the bookshelves in my classroom- the representation is not much better, and I'm hoping this project can start to change that. Our classroom library shelves should be filled with books that help students explore new ideas, tackle difficult topics, and ask important questions. As a predominantly white district in a rural/suburban setting, these books might just be the first introduction to BIPOC stories and it's an introduction worth making. These books will help my students and me explore the complexities of "American" culture, and will help us start conversations so that we may understand our world today. Reading takes such a special place in the 5th grade classroom- students read choice books, have read alouds of chapter books and picture books, and are just learning how to engage in book clubs. Filling shelves with BIPOC voices and stories ensures students have a bounty of opportunities to read, reflect on, and consider the lives and histories of people different than themselves.

About my class

In 2018 only 23% of characters in children's books were black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). Seeing this statistic recently caused me to reflect on the bookshelves in my classroom- the representation is not much better, and I'm hoping this project can start to change that. Our classroom library shelves should be filled with books that help students explore new ideas, tackle difficult topics, and ask important questions. As a predominantly white district in a rural/suburban setting, these books might just be the first introduction to BIPOC stories and it's an introduction worth making. These books will help my students and me explore the complexities of "American" culture, and will help us start conversations so that we may understand our world today. Reading takes such a special place in the 5th grade classroom- students read choice books, have read alouds of chapter books and picture books, and are just learning how to engage in book clubs. Filling shelves with BIPOC voices and stories ensures students have a bounty of opportunities to read, reflect on, and consider the lives and histories of people different than themselves.

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About my class

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