Tonight's #NJLibChat discusses children's literature for a diverse society. The value, evaluation, selection, types, and importance of multicultural literature will be discussed.
Questions start in a few mins! Introduce yourself!
Don't be nervous at all! Twitter chats are fast-paced, but full of different viewpoints. You can either lurk around or join in! Choice is up to you! I'm so glad you joined us! #NJLibChat
Tonight's #NJLibChat discusses children's literature for a diverse society. The value, evaluation, selection, types, and importance of multicultural literature will be discussed.
Questions start in a few mins! Introduce yourself!
A1: Multicultural children's literature illuminates similarities and differences in others around
the world and educates children about our unique situations and our common humanity. #NJLibChat
A1: Children are naturally curious. Literature builds interest for a deeper understanding and appreciation. Provides authenticity and challenges typical media coverage of violence and crises. #NJLibChat
I think the earlier students are exposed to different races and cultures, the more accepting they will be of those races and cultures later in life #NJLibChat
A1. Exposure to various cultures literature helps break down humans natural inclinations to stay within their racial tribe. The more exposure, the less insular we become. #NJLibChat
A1. Exposure to multicultural literature benefits children’s thought processes about race because hopefully the students will see everyone as equal. They need to be able to appreciate similarities and differences among the various cultures. #NJLibChat
We live in a society that is diverse. Exposing our students to multicultural literature, especially at a young age, will help to diminish prejudicial thoughts about race. Having support from educated adults leaders is key to accomplishing this. #NJLibChat
A1: Children are very inquisitive! Multicultural lit gives them a chance to learn, experience, and understand the every day lives of people that may differ from them. #NJLibChat
Excellent response. We all have those "natural inclinations" at some point in our life. Sometimes many. Both literature and media both break us away from them. #NJLibChat
A1 - Many students are uncomfortable interacting with new people, ideas, or behaviors, and some react with fear or apprehension when confronted with something unfamiliar. Culturally diverse literature can teach them that differences in cultures can be enriching. #NJLibChat
Don't you love reading diverse literature to preschool children during storyhour? They really appreciate the differences in culture and race. #NJLibChat
A1: I believe MCL helps to combate ignorance & intolerance by fostering an appreciation and understanding of others. It also helps children who are considered multicultural develop a better sense of self. #NJLibChat
A1: Experiencing different cultures will make students more understanding of different races and will knock down the stereotypes of that group #NJlibChat
A1: It gives our Ss a chance to learn about those different from them, but also minority Ss a chance to see characters that remind them of themselves. #NJLibChat
A2 - Culturally diverse literature helps to humanize types of people to students that have never had the opportunity to interact or be immersed in different lifestyles or cultures. They can see firsthand that there are as many similarities as differences between them #NJLibChat
Hello Edna! VERY nice to see you! #NJLibChat
Great response! We all have our comfort zones and diversifying literature helps us break away from that zone.
A2: Diverse children's literature contributes to the overall cultural understanding in a positive way, while allowing them to explore cultural differences in an accurate and sensitive manner. #NJLibChat
A2: It is important for students to have respresentation in their own schools.A minority student should feel included and represented when it comes to the type of literature offered in their school.If they don't see themselves, they'll feel excluded #NJLibChat
A2: MCL is so important because school populations are so diverse and the lit needs to reflect this. Ss need to be able to see themselves in what they are reading. #NJLibChat
A3 - A Culturally Diverse Book provides an inside look into other communities and connects people of different nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. They allow readers to gain awareness of their own cultural identities and examine stereotypes and biases. #NJLibChat
A2: Culturally diverse literature prepares children to live in a changing and more diverse world. Children need to understand other cultures and children of all cultures need to develop a sense of identity. #NJLibChat
A2: Because our students deserve to see themselves reflected in stories. And because our students also deserve an opportunity to build connections & empathy with those unlike themselves. #NJLibChat
A2: We live in a global world. Having culturally diverse children’s literature is key - we must train our Ss to compete in a world where we have the technological advances to interact globally. Ss need to overcome racial stereotypes in order to achieve this. #NJLibChat
A2. Culturally diverse children’s literature is so important in our schools because it helps students understand other cultures. It gives them the opportunity to recognize that there are differences in this world that need to be celebrated. #NJLibChat
I actually built a World Literature section in my school library. I fill it with authors such as Khaled Hosseini and Gabriel García Márquez. The teenagers seem to enjoy these authors. #NJLibChat
A2 It's already been said, but I think bears repeating. All students deserve to see themselves mirrored in a book. By filling our libraries with diverse books we help support that opportunity #NJLibChat
A2. School tends to be the first place children are exposed to many racial and cultural groups at one time, not just passing in public venues but a safe setting where we interact with one another and create close interpersonal relationships. #NJLibChat
A2: A library should be a comfortable and safe place for everyone. To do this, everyone should feel represented and that they matter. Having a collection that represents your school and beyond is a huge step toward that. #NJLibChat
School libraries are where students are first introduced to literature. So making sure the literature throughout a library is diverse will enlighten students on cultures and traditions they have never come in contact with #NJlibChat
A2: It supports the growth of empathy as well as develop a bond of shared experiences. Students learn that they share more similarities than differences. As a result this can help with socialization skills during schooling and in the workforce. #NJLibChat
And there are so many grants nowadays to get funds for purchasing diverse books. Take a look at some of the grants from ALA and YALSA, as well as AASL. #NJLibChat
A2: I completely agree with you Tracy! Schools are so diverse it’s important to have appropriate literature to match that! Students should be able to relate to literature. If they can’t they will only be turned off to reading #NJLibChat
A4 - When choosing a culturally diverse book to read, I assess it for authenticity and accuracy by presenting the author and his/her background, and discovering the inspiration/motivation behind his/her writing. I also select passages that depict cultures uniquely. #NJLibChat
A3: A book that helps me understand a different culture than my own. The book will present ideas of equality and social justice. I think it can be difficult to know if the culture is represented accurately if you are not familiar with that culture. #NJLibChat
A5 - "The Other Side" by Jacqueline Woodson, "My Name is Keoko" and "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park, and "Grandfather's Journey" by Allen Say. #NJLibChat
A2: A culturally diverse collection subtly informs students that everyone's culture is equally important and provides students with the opportunity to explore various cultures. #NJLibChat
A4: The beliefs and values of a culture are represented from the perspective of that group with accurate details in text and illustration. The language of the culture is reflected. Historic and contemporary views are represented. #NJLibChat
A1: I work in a diverse school district but there are stereotypes and I feel that exposing my students to other cultures has really opened up their eyes. #NJLibChat
A2: America is diverse, yet cultures within America tend to fail to break down the barriers that exist. When Ss have access to diverse literature it can often be the first way to chip away at the walls of misunderstandings that plague society. #NJlibchat
I wonder how this affects children who are home-schooled? They aren't used to being around other diverse children on a constant basis like those who go to school. #NJLibChat
A6: I can see how this statement has validity but every individual person has their own perception of things. If children are exposed to a variety of different cultures regularly, it becomes the norm and helps to eliminate prejudices or misconceptions. #NJLibChat
A3. A book that is representative of any culture or topic that is not historically or presently part of mainstream pop culture within the country the books are being released in. I look for authenticity in its representations and relatability. #NJLibChat
A6 - Teaching students to respect and appreciate their own heritage as well as that of others is an important component of culturally diverse books. Providing unique facts of cultural norms, behaviors, and traditions opens up the world to those seeking self-discovery. #NJLibChat
#NJLibChat Happy National Library Week and School Library Month! Spread the word about the great things happening in your school libraries all #SLM18 long!
A3: The main characters are of different cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, or ability levels. The story highlights their perspective on the world. #NJLibChat
A3: a culturally diverse book either represents a minority or nonexistant race in a school, or a book that features more revolves around more than one race. As far as elements, it all comes down to representation and respect #NJLibChat
People often focus on the racial or religious aspects of culture. But culture is a social construct in general. To me cultural diversity is any (social) experience that is different than one's own & takes many forms. #NJLibchat
A3 Lately I've been setting my focus on books that depict the everydayness of life regardless of background. As Brave As You by J. Reynolds, Cilla-Lee Jenkins by S. Tan #NJLibChat
A3: Culturally diverse book celebrate culture & ethnic diversity. Picture books & novels are a way to inspire Ss to learn more about the history & culture. Avoid stereotypes and books with offensive words. Books could contain words or phrases native to the culture. #NJLibChat
They are missing out on valuable social experiences since home school severely limits who they are able to interact with. You can experience so much through literature and media, but nothing can top experiencing it first hand. #NJlibchat
A3: Features elements of groups typically marginalized in society, focuses on not just historic events, but contemporary issues, does not overgeneralize a group, but is true to the unique identity of the people being discussed. #NJLibChat
A2: I was lucky to receive a huge grant to purchase culturally diverse books which better reflects the population I work with. Makes you realize how many of our older books are not up to date. #NJLibChat
And also possibly gives the reader the feeling an ELL student might have not understanding English in the classroom! Inside Out and Back Again #NJLibChat
There has been a lot of emphasis and research done on the education of ELL students. What types of books do your staff read with their ELL students? #NJLibChat
If a book is focusing on a culture outside of the traditional one where the book is being read I would call that a culturally diverse book. Some elements are traditions and the book painting a picture of the country from where that culture resides #NJLibChat
A4: Learn to become a critical reader, ask other librarians for their input on book selections, use good review sources such as @SLJ, look at cultural award winners (not just Caldecott and Newbery), and get to know trusted authors. #NJLibChat
A4: Look for good literature with a strong plot and believable character development. Make sure the illustrations and text do not leave the students with stereotypes. Look for historically accurate books that are plausible. #NJLibChat
Ricky, I know you love traveling. Do you stumble across many diverse books in countries you visit? How different are they from the ones in America? #NJLibChat
A3: A culturally diverse book reflects real life and the people you see every day. Some of these elements I look for can be as simple as the characters on the cover to the author and their insight.#NJLibChat
A4: when choosing a culturally diverse book, I like to look at the author to see how close they are to the topic. For example, Khaled Hosseini is from Afghanistan so his story is believable, especially with randomly used words in the native languages they speak #NJLibChat
A4: Do your research! Research the author, the culture to make sure the details are accurate. Only thing worse than not including MCL is including false information. #NJLibChat
A4. Information that is not considered common knowledge can easily be researched from various sources for accuracy. Starting with a list of recommended books from people within each particular field of diversity is a great starting point. #NJLibChat
do you think there is a huge difference to how diverse literature is now written as compared to the folk and fairy tales we all read as a child? #NJLibChat
A4. I assess books for authenticity and accuracy by first reading reviews of the book from reputable journals and/or magazines. I want to make sure that the cultural details are correct and I check to see whether or not it has won any awards. #NJLibChat
A3: a culturally diverse book includes people from all different religions, backgrounds, traditions, races, all living in an area together. I think it’s important to show these individuals coexisting together despite their differences #NJLibChat
A4 Look for books that don't lean on stereotypes to tell the story. Read lots of reviews - Kirkus is a favorite Make sure illustrations support and don't detract from the story #NJLibChat
It's a struggle. Little funding for new books. I have sets of Ghost, Patina, Inside Out & Back Again, Wonder, After Tupac & D Foster, more my jet-lagged brain has forgotten... #NJLibChat
A4: Start with Award Winning Books of course! Natural integration of the language or dialect within dialogue is a plus. Cultural details that connect back to the actual lives of the people from a the group in focus is essential. #NJLibChat
A4: Make sure you read the book first, then research the culture being represented. Finding reviews from repeatable resources is also imperative. #NJLibChat
Q5: Name a few books that you have read that deals with diversity.
Diversity can include stories that focus on different countries, race, religion, LGQBT, etc.
#NJLibChat
After Tupac was a teacher pick for an emerging reader group. One of those Ss brought in two of her friends not in that class to read it. So empowering for her to recommend books to other Ss! #NJLibChat
I teach history so I am constantly digging through primary source documents. Sourcing, analyzing, corroborating, and then drawing my own conclusions. I also like secondary texts from universities that are research based. #njlibchat
Q4: If possible, ask a person from that culture to review the book. If not, do the research & try to assess the authenticity using the facts #NJLibChat
A5: For elementary school - Drama by Raina Telgemeier, Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson, The Cay by Theodore Taylor, The Breadwinner series by Deborah Ellis, Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena, Funny Bones by Dunan Tonatiuh #NJLibChat
Q5: Name a few books that you have read that deals with diversity.
Diversity can include stories that focus on different countries, race, religion, LGQBT, etc.
#NJLibChat
A5: My recent reads that fit into that is Refugee, Prisoner B, Ghost, Long Way Down, Beneath My Mother’s Feet, and 90 Miles to Havana. Just finished Refugee tonight and wow. Great read. #NJLibChat
A5: Hosseini's Splendid Suns is one of my favorites to teach. I am addicted to the Harry Potter series. So many adult themes in a children's series. Once I start thinking of Harry Potter I can't think of anything else :D #NJLibChat
That's a valid point. I'd imagine the child living in a bubble but I guess it depends on the parent's perspective regarding the socialization of their child. #NJLibChat
Q5: Name a few books that you have read that deals with diversity.
Diversity can include stories that focus on different countries, race, religion, LGQBT, etc.
#NJLibChat
Q5. The Skin You Live In by M. Tyler, It’s Okay to be Different by T. Parr, Tree of Cranes by A. Say, Whoever You Are by M. Fox, The Colors of Us by K. Katz, Let’s Talk About Race by J. Lester, Same, Same But Different by J. Kostecki-Shaw #NJLibChat
Q5: Name a few books that you have read that deals with diversity.
Diversity can include stories that focus on different countries, race, religion, LGQBT, etc.
#NJLibChat
A5: George by Alex Gino, The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, Booked by Kwame Alexander #NJLibChat
Thank you, Krista! The responses from everyone have been wonderful and so insightful! We are really fortunate to have such a great group in our LTED class! #NJLibChat
I can only hope that the reason they have is a good one, totally unrelated to keeping their child away from other children. I do believe that in some instances homeschool is necessary. #njlibchat
Q6: Reflect on this statement:
"If children never see themselves reflected in literature, they receive the message that they are
not important to society."
#NJLibChat#WeNeedDiverseBooks@diversebooks
A6: Likewise, if children only see themselves reflected in literature, the get the message that they are the only ones important to society. #NJLibChat
Q6: Reflect on this statement:
"If children never see themselves reflected in literature, they receive the message that they are
not important to society."
#NJLibChat#WeNeedDiverseBooks@diversebooks
I know a few people who have homeschooled for various reasons and none of them were keeping their children away from others. Homeschool groups have a social component built around lessons and activities. It's not always the child(ren) & parent #NJLibChat
In reply to
@Elawson711, @laneyborgstrom, @kristawelz
A6. I believe this statement has merit because students want to read and understand their own culture and be able to imagine themselves in the place of characters within various stories. #NJLibChat
A6. Historically, diversity was suppressed in “dominant” American society. No longer the case, we must take leaps forward to represent the true face of America and be inclusive of all that makes us who we are as the heterogeneous community we have become. #NJLibChat
Q6: Reflect on this statement:
"If children never see themselves reflected in literature, they receive the message that they are
not important to society."
#NJLibChat#WeNeedDiverseBooks@diversebooks
A6: Just as one of my black students' face lit up when she found out there was an entire history of Black Panther comics, kids above all else want to feel included and accepted. Reading cult. diverse books makes them feel like they are an important part of this world #NJLibChat
A6 This is so true. This applies to the whole learning environment. We must make sure everyone is represented. We can’t control the world, but we can help from our own classroom. #NJLibChat
A6 Agreed,especially with young children. They need to see illustrations where the characters are of all shapes, sizes, colors, etc. Books that highlight different cultures are great, but having different cultures represented as the “norm” is even of more importance. #NJLibChat
Q6: Reflect on this statement:
"If children never see themselves reflected in literature, they receive the message that they are
not important to society."
#NJLibChat#WeNeedDiverseBooks@diversebooks
A6: this quote makes me think of the importance of culturally relevant teaching. Also, that worldwide curriculums need to include different cultures as much as possible #NJLibChat
A6: If children do not see themselves reflected they are more likely to dismiss literature. Relating to characters, settings, their struggles and triumphs gives readers hope. Everyone should be able to experience this and see themselves represented in contemporary lit #NJLibChat
A6 Books are a mirror to our world. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected in a story. I think it is a source of validation when you can read about a character like yourself #NJLibChat
Q6: I believe this is a valid statement. It is important for children to realize they are a part of the society they live in and this cannot be accomplished without representation in matters of day to day activity, including reading. #NJLibChat
Q6: Stats show that the minority will soon be our majority YET less than 15% of children's/YA books published are MC! Our society is rapidly changing, so must the literature produced. Now more than ever is this a necessity to cater to the changing world we live in. #NJLibChat
Q6: Reflect on this statement:
"If children never see themselves reflected in literature, they receive the message that they are
not important to society."
#NJLibChat#WeNeedDiverseBooks@diversebooks
