October 31, 2020

Quote of the Week

"We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color." --Maya Angelou

Why It's Important For Kids To See Themselves In Books

Children learn so much from reading and being read to, and as parents we can expose our children to so many worlds and experiences by doing so.  One woman is on a mission to bring inclusive reading materials to schools so that all children can see themselves represented in the books they read.  Why is this important? Kids need to see people who look like them who have overcome challenges, been heroes, and made a difference in the world.  Reading provides a mirror to identity and allows children to see their lives as part of a larger human experience. Furthermore, identifying with characters enables children to make connections to books on a deeper level.  Read more in this week's featured article from Positive News about Samantha Williams, founder of This is Book Love.

Reading Corner

Title: The Day You Begin
By:Jacqueline Woodson
Ages: 4-8

It can be difficult to start school where you are unsure about whether or not you will be welcome. You may have different color skin, different kind of hair, or have different kinds of food in your lunch box. Quietly but surely all the classmates come to realize that while they may look different, they are also all the same. Woodson’s gentle, lilting story and López’s artistry create a stirring portrait of the courage it takes to be oneself: “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you until the day you begin/ to share your stories.” --Publishers

Be the Change

Share a story with your child about a time when "there was no one quite like me" in a situation and how you found the courage to share your self with others. You can also find a wonderfully diverse children's book list here to share with your family and friends.