Many Faces of Literature: Increasing Diversity in Literature Circle Selections
Help me give my students diverse options for literature circle reading group selections in order to increase community awareness about our global society. These titles represent authors and characters from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
My students are learning how to be engaged global citizens through the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. They come from a wide range of economically and culturally diverse households. Our community is made up of a mix of White (43%), Hispanic (26%), Asian (21%), African American (6%) and multi-race families.
Our campus is working to pursue excellence through the following core values:
• Instruction that is intentional and measurable
• Shaping open-minded global citizens
• Relevant learning for all students
• Igniting curiosity, creativity, and critical family
• Making our campus family
While many of my students come from comfortable homes containing hundreds of books and the latest technology tools, more than 26% are considered economically disadvantaged and receive free or reduced lunch, while another 25% are considered "working class poor," not receiving assistance, but having little money beyond the basic needs.
My Project
Dr. E. Sybil Durand comments that "to resist “the danger of the single story,” as Chimamanda Adichie discusses in her 2009 TED talk, we need books that tell many different kinds of stories about a particular cultural community" (NCTE blog). Our project seeks funding for multiple copies of diverse books that will tell these stories from a range of perspectives.
Not only will students be more engaged in their classroom discussions about literature because they are able to see themselves reflected in the characters represented, they will also gain a global understanding of the many cultures, backgrounds, and challenges facing humans around the world.
This is especially important for our students who come from homes with limited financial resources since they do not have the opportunity to travel the world to gain this perspective. Many of our students do not travel beyond our community and even fewer explore outside of our state. Our books truly become windows to the world.
By including multiple copies of diverse titles by authors from a wide range of cultures and races, we will give teachers and students the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about literature. Through these conversations our students will be able to make important connections across disciplines and extend the boundaries of the traditional literary canon.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Hance and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
