More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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I am a first year teacher who desires to build a classroom library of books that will serve as "mirrors and windows" for my first grade students. "Mirrors" are stories that reflect a student's cultural identity and personal experience. "Windows" are stories that introduce students to people and characters who have a different perspective, identity, and experience from their own. Both types of books are essential for student development and learning.
When a 6 year old reads a story about a little girl who looks like her, it affirms that her story and identity have value. Stories such as "I Love My Hair" have the power to secure this student's sense of belonging in the world. In addition, when this same little girl has the opportunity to read stories about people who have different views and experiences from her own, it helps her to develop a sense of understanding and empathy for others. It also gives her the opportunity to explore and reflect on how her story connects with someone else's story. This is powerful learning!
During classroom "read alouds" students are engaged in rigorous and critical thinking. They are asked to reflect on their own experiences and to find ways to make meaning and find connection with the stories they're listening to. Therefore, it is essential to provide my classroom with a diverse and culturally responsive library that meets the needs of every student.
About my class
I am a first year teacher who desires to build a classroom library of books that will serve as "mirrors and windows" for my first grade students. "Mirrors" are stories that reflect a student's cultural identity and personal experience. "Windows" are stories that introduce students to people and characters who have a different perspective, identity, and experience from their own. Both types of books are essential for student development and learning.
When a 6 year old reads a story about a little girl who looks like her, it affirms that her story and identity have value. Stories such as "I Love My Hair" have the power to secure this student's sense of belonging in the world. In addition, when this same little girl has the opportunity to read stories about people who have different views and experiences from her own, it helps her to develop a sense of understanding and empathy for others. It also gives her the opportunity to explore and reflect on how her story connects with someone else's story. This is powerful learning!
During classroom "read alouds" students are engaged in rigorous and critical thinking. They are asked to reflect on their own experiences and to find ways to make meaning and find connection with the stories they're listening to. Therefore, it is essential to provide my classroom with a diverse and culturally responsive library that meets the needs of every student.