As you choose books for your classroom library, be sure that all children are represented in your selections. Include books with characters, authors, and illustrators representative of different ethnicities, races, cultures, abilities, and family structures. Buying books is not the only way to expand your library’s inventory. Consider visiting your local library and borrowing books to supplement your curriculum. Some libraries offer online ordering and drive-up retrieval options. Others also provide guidance and support through their customer service agents. Be sure to ask your library about their services so you can select what works best for you. Here are some resources that might be helpful:
-
- Guide for selecting diverse books: how to_select_diverse_childrens books
- A list of culturally affirming books for black children: tps_booklist
- Evaluating the diversity of your classroom library: Classroom Library Questionnaire
Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist), and formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction and inclusive preschool classroom practices. Email her at hallma@iu.edu
Leave a Reply