Amplifying Communities of Color a Voice in Children's Literature and Curriculum

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Ten
  In Roundtable Session: Entanglements, Critiques, and Cultural Relevance (Table 1)

Abstract

Books can entertain, foster a love of reading, inform children of various topics, affirm multiple aspects of children’s identities and expose them to others' experiences (McNair, 2016). Therefore, children of Color need access to "mirrors” that allow readers to see their reflections in texts (Bishop, 1990). Children can see their reflections by having access to culturally relevant literature that includes characters and themes with which children can self-identify. One way to ensure book collections such as the first-grade collection in the EL curriculum are culturally diverse is by learning about race-based book awards (McNair, 2016) and including children’s books that celebrate authors of Color and honor their communities and heritage in school.

Author

• Amber Lawson, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author