“Living Through Literature” Using Diverse Children’s Books to Build Social and Emotional Learning

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Innovative Tools for Supporting Social Emotional Learning

Abstract

Research indicates that providing children with books that display diverse identities build children’s world view and social and emotional learning. This qualitative study examined the responses of North Carolina child care center administrators on the role of diverse books in their centers. Sixty-five administrators responded to three open-ended questions in an online survey. Resulting themes were that diverse books provide literacy and learning as well as windows and mirrors. However, there was a stronger focus on the functions that windows provide. Additionally, the administrators provided descriptions of what constitutes a diverse book. The findings speak to a need for further training of administrators on diversity and inclusion and the role of diversity in books to enhance children’s social and emotional learning.

Authors

• Anne Swenson Ticknor, East Carolina University

• Paige Averett, North Carolina State University

• Archana V. Hegde, East Carolina University