Just Like Us:

Picture books are an essential tool for elementary school teachers. We use them routinely to help our students discover who they are and step outside themselves to learn about people near and far. 

Our project theme stems from the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop. She claims that "Children need windows and mirrors. They need mirrors in which they see themselves and windows through which they see the world.” Our projects were designed to help students see the importance of finding the beauty in our similarities and differences. 

The Elementary Library Unit designed by Amy helps students understand the meaning of stereotypes and bias and then apply that knowledge when considering the resources available in their own school and how that applies to their understanding of the world. The project culminates in a student-powered audit of the school library picture book section. This unit is tied to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with an emphasis on Global Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Sara's lessons for students in grades 3-5 introduce the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with an emphasis on Global Goal 5: Gender Equality. Students will be empowered to take action to make the world a better place as they learn about female leaders past and present. Students will embark on a narrative poetry writing unit in which writings will be combined and printed into a book that will serve as "mirrors," "windows," and "sliding glass doors" for readers.  

Working in an International Baccalaureate School lead Janis to develop resources about Awareness and Inclusiveness. In order for students to be global citizens, they have to learn about self and mankind within their own community, then abroad. In a world where diversity is seemingly becoming adversity, teachers and students must recognize and respect the differences in others. Empowering students, especially females (SDG 5) and underserved populations is the basis for the resources. SDG 16 is relative as curriculum resources that are aligned to peace and justice are used to strengthen students and educational institutions. "Representation matters" is often said in various educational settings. Students need the history of yesterday to provoke the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to promote peace and justice for today and beyond. Students need to be able to see themselves in books, movies, websites, etc., as if they were looking in a mirror.  Once they have the resource in hand and see themselves in the mirror, they can open the pages or site, as if they were opening a sliding glass door.