Embedded Files
“Creating a classroom library of culturally responsive texts is crucial in our rapidly changing world. Knowing that rural America is becoming more diverse and the students we teach will likely move to more urban areas with significantly more diverse populations, it is imperative that we prepare them for the world they will enter. Using books that have a diversity, equity, and inclusion focus is just one powerful way to do just that. One of the ten rights within the International Literacy Association’s Children’s Rights to Read states that “Children have the right to read texts that mirror their experiences and languages, provide windows into the lives of others, and open doors into our diverse world.” These rights apply to all children, not just children with parents who understand the necessity or know where to find such books, but every child, in every classroom, every day.” The following resources are tools that will support the implementation of more culturally responsive instructional strategies and lessons along with the integration of more diverse texts.
The WHY Behind Creating a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Lending Library
The WHY Behind Creating a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Lending Library
Building a lending library of culturally responsive texts that provides mirror, window, and sliding glass door experiences for teachers and students alike is crucial in our rapidly changing world. Knowing that rural America is becoming more diverse and the students we teach will likely move to more urban areas with significantly more diverse populations, it is imperative that we prepare them for the world they will enter. Using books that have a diversity, equity, and inclusion focus is just one powerful way to do just that. Additionally, every lesson and picture book in our DEI library is linked to the ELA Common Core Standards, the Literacy Essentials, and the Social Justice Standards.
Building a lending library of culturally responsive texts that provides mirror, window, and sliding glass door experiences for teachers and students alike is crucial in our rapidly changing world. Knowing that rural America is becoming more diverse and the students we teach will likely move to more urban areas with significantly more diverse populations, it is imperative that we prepare them for the world they will enter. Using books that have a diversity, equity, and inclusion focus is just one powerful way to do just that. Additionally, every lesson and picture book in our DEI library is linked to the ELA Common Core Standards, the Literacy Essentials, and the Social Justice Standards.
One of the ten rights within the International Literacy Association’s Children’s Rights to Read states that “Children have the right to read texts that mirror their experiences and languages, provide windows into the lives of others, and open doors into our diverse world.” These rights apply to all children, not just children with parents who understand the necessity or know where to find such books, but every child, in every classroom, every day.
One of the ten rights within the International Literacy Association’s Children’s Rights to Read states that “Children have the right to read texts that mirror their experiences and languages, provide windows into the lives of others, and open doors into our diverse world.” These rights apply to all children, not just children with parents who understand the necessity or know where to find such books, but every child, in every classroom, every day.
HOW it Works
HOW it Works
We look forward to collaborating with teachers to bring culturally responsive interactive read alouds to life, to bring deep discussion, invite critical thinking, and encourage compassionate problem solving. As it is stated in Literacy Essential 8, it is imperative that classroom libraries include "books and other materials connected to children's interests and that reflect children's backgrounds and cultural experiences."
We look forward to collaborating with teachers to bring culturally responsive interactive read alouds to life, to bring deep discussion, invite critical thinking, and encourage compassionate problem solving. As it is stated in Literacy Essential 8, it is imperative that classroom libraries include "books and other materials connected to children's interests and that reflect children's backgrounds and cultural experiences."
Teachers are encouraged to check the materials out and borrow them for a period of time and return them to Marquette-Alger RESA when they are finished. You can also contact us directly to make a plan that would work best for you. We can model any lesson in your classroom using any of the books in the DEI library. We can co-plan how to use the book in an upcoming lesson. We can co-teach --- you do a part, we do apart.
Teachers are encouraged to check the materials out and borrow them for a period of time and return them to Marquette-Alger RESA when they are finished. You can also contact us directly to make a plan that would work best for you. We can model any lesson in your classroom using any of the books in the DEI library. We can co-plan how to use the book in an upcoming lesson. We can co-teach --- you do a part, we do apart.
Simply click on the link HERE to access the virtual lending library. You can see all the books that are available, sign up to reserve a book, see your coaches model an interactive read aloud, find a read aloud lesson plan template, and check out other DEI resources.
Simply click on the link HERE to access the virtual lending library. You can see all the books that are available, sign up to reserve a book, see your coaches model an interactive read aloud, find a read aloud lesson plan template, and check out other DEI resources.
We've also worked hard to create a slideshow of all the materials and then some! Organized by monthly topics. Linked directely to read alouds.
Diverse Classroom Libraries
Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors to Lifelong Literacy Learning
Follow the links below to access the books related to each monthly theme.
August/September: Our Names Are Important
October: Our Features Are Important
November: Our Disabilities Are Important
December: Our Families Are Important
January: Our Foods Are Important
February: Our Traditions Are Important
March: Our Identities Are Important
April: Our Histories Are Important
May/June: Our Actions Are Important
GELN Schoolwide Practices
MDE Guidance
ILA Children's Rights to Read
Learning for Justice
Classroom Library Enhancement
Classroom Library Enhancement
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) created a Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. As part of goal 2 — to improve early literacy for Michigan students, MDE created a very thorough guidance document aimed at helping teachers foster inclusive, engaging learning environments and create classroom libraries that serve as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for all of Michigan’s students. We believe that culturally diverse texts need to be in the hands of every educator and every child every single day to not only enhance literacy skills but to save lives. We are committed to continuing the work started by MAISA with the Classroom Library Enhancement grant by providing future funding and professional development to educators in our area. Check back soon for more detailed information on this exciting opportunity and how to apply.
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