I have a dynamic group of kids from kindergarten to grade 3 in a library learning commons/makerspace. A wide range of abilities and cultural backgrounds adds to our growing sense of community.
Students love to be creative and to work collaboratively.
From kindergartners who are just starting to explore school and all the library has to offer to our third grade 'experts', we have so much to share and to learn from and with each other.
We strive for an honest and respectful community that recognizes and appreciates differences, accepts challenges, and promotes kindness and perseverance.
My Project
The picture books chosen present realistic (and real, like Ruth Bader Ginsburg in I Dissent and Sylvia Mendez in Separate is Never Equal) characters who make some difficult choices and decisions. Through rich stories, they teach perseverance, acceptance, and the importance of following your heart and conscience. Dreamers by Yuyi Morales teaches us about diversity and inclusion as the author tells the story of her struggle moving to a new country with an infant son and no knowledge of the language. In Separate is Never Equal, kids read the real story of how the Mendez family helped to fight and end segregation in California.
These books will provide a common ground around which we can build rich conversations about diversity and inclusion.
Having multiple copies of these wonderfully crafted books, students can read alongside each other and build knowledge of how others overcame adversity.
Students can build a base of common language and discuss not only the characters and problems they face but also be exposed to some wonderful writing. These books provide layers for rich conversations as readers and writers.
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