Celebrations:
Read-alouds and STEAM Lessons for Global Citizenship
Embedded Files
Our students live in a global society. Sharing read-alouds from a diverse range of authors and illustrators invites them to experience the richness of connections and differences. When we explore what Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop calls "mirrors and windows” in literature we build empathy and democracy in our communities. In these polarizing times, it is important to go even further, and build our capacity for “courageous conversations” around hard history and myths, not because it is “politically correct” but because it is the world our students live in.
The resources on this website have been chosen for their literary quality, accessibility to Vermont students, and ability to expand the “traditional” story of seasonal celebrations. We also consulted the Social Justice Standards from Learning for Justice. Special attention has been given to diverse authors, illustrators, and readers to reflect our multicultural democratic society and the identities and future identities of the students in our classrooms.
The connected activities to these books were designed with our district’s Global Citizenship Student Learning Outcomes and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) standards.
About this Work:
About this Work:
This work was created by Alyson Mahony and Amy Young in the Spring of 2022 for a Capstone project in the Plymouth State University Master of Education program. Alyson and Amy currently work as teaching librarians and educational technology specialists in elementary schools in central Vermont.
Our journey like many white, middle class, heteronormative women, who care deeply about justice, has been humbling. Together, we confront our assumptions and fear on our way towards a greater humanity. As mothers of teen activists, and teachers of young children, we feel strongly about creating safe and brave spaces for all to thrive. Stories and projects are just one way to engage young minds and hearts in this important work.
We created this resource for classroom teachers and librarians who want to bring more equity and social justice into their seasonal curriculum. The lessons are simple and adaptable and will be updated as new learning and resources are available. We encourage you to pick and choose what resonates with you and your students, and let us know what works and doesn’t, so that we can all continue to grow.
In celebration of justice for all,
Aly and Amy
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