I teach first grade at a wonderful title 1 school located in a diverse South Sacramento community, where 94% of the school's population belong to a minority group. My students have very unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which should be noticed and celebrated daily; one way is through children's books. It is important that their backgrounds are reflected in stories in order to promote empowerment and a sense of belonging within, as well as promote acceptance and kindness to others. Unfortunately, today's climate in society is extremely tense. Acts of racism and discrimination has created an unsafe and unjust environment for many minorities alike.
Therefore, one way to combat racism and prejudice in society is by presenting the younger generation with interactive picture books that invite conversations surrounding social justice and inclusion.
Presenting children with culturally diverse and inclusive books provides outstanding benefits. Representation and reflection of their identities in stories will promote self empowerment and self love. It also teaches children to celebrate eachother and repect differences. Additionally, many children's books discuss social justice issues that, unfortuntely, often relate to their existence and experiences as minorities. Exposure to diverse and inclusive children's books is one of the first steps towards creating a generation that is accepting, loving, and will (hopefully) one day fight for social justice.
I thank you in advance for your consideration and time!
Best,
Ms. Alonzo
About my class
I teach first grade at a wonderful title 1 school located in a diverse South Sacramento community, where 94% of the school's population belong to a minority group. My students have very unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which should be noticed and celebrated daily; one way is through children's books. It is important that their backgrounds are reflected in stories in order to promote empowerment and a sense of belonging within, as well as promote acceptance and kindness to others. Unfortunately, today's climate in society is extremely tense. Acts of racism and discrimination has created an unsafe and unjust environment for many minorities alike.
Therefore, one way to combat racism and prejudice in society is by presenting the younger generation with interactive picture books that invite conversations surrounding social justice and inclusion.
Presenting children with culturally diverse and inclusive books provides outstanding benefits. Representation and reflection of their identities in stories will promote self empowerment and self love. It also teaches children to celebrate eachother and repect differences. Additionally, many children's books discuss social justice issues that, unfortuntely, often relate to their existence and experiences as minorities. Exposure to diverse and inclusive children's books is one of the first steps towards creating a generation that is accepting, loving, and will (hopefully) one day fight for social justice.
I thank you in advance for your consideration and time!
Best,
Ms. Alonzo
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