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Every child deserves and needs the mirror experience in literature. But that is not possible unless our libraries, schools, and homes contain diverse books, books that allow all readers to see their lived experiences, their cultural traditions, and their language worthy of being in print. With access to mirror texts, students are able to see that their narrative matters, and with access to window texts, students learn to understand and appreciate the narratives of others.
The power of literacy to transform lives does not exist in skill and strategy instruction alone, it also resides within the stories students read. It is not just children from diverse families who benefit from diversifying our libraries. All of our children benefit. Literature should not only provide a mirror of our own experiences, but also a window into others’ lives. What message do we send students when they do not see themselves reflected in the texts we use in our classrooms? What message do we send to students from non-marginalized groups when we only use texts that reflect their culture and experiences?
About my class
Every child deserves and needs the mirror experience in literature. But that is not possible unless our libraries, schools, and homes contain diverse books, books that allow all readers to see their lived experiences, their cultural traditions, and their language worthy of being in print. With access to mirror texts, students are able to see that their narrative matters, and with access to window texts, students learn to understand and appreciate the narratives of others.
The power of literacy to transform lives does not exist in skill and strategy instruction alone, it also resides within the stories students read. It is not just children from diverse families who benefit from diversifying our libraries. All of our children benefit. Literature should not only provide a mirror of our own experiences, but also a window into others’ lives. What message do we send students when they do not see themselves reflected in the texts we use in our classrooms? What message do we send to students from non-marginalized groups when we only use texts that reflect their culture and experiences?