July 2024 AΔKCC Network

July 2024 Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Clubs Network

Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Clubs & Alumni Welcome to our monthly newsletter! We are here to provide you with some helpful tips, connections, and networking opportunities.

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Rudine Sims Bishop (1990) refers to books as “windows, sliding glass doors and mirrors” that can offer readers a view of other real or imaginary worlds that can be entered through imagination.

Mirroring our experiences back to us as part of a greater human experience can be transformative.

According to Scholastic’s 2019 annual reading report, youth aged 6-17 expressed a strong desire for characters in books who they want "to be like" and who are "similar to me." Fifty percent of youth aged 9-17 who read frequently also reported it is very or extremely important to include diversitypeople and experiences different from their own.

This emphasizes the importance of relevant representation and diverse portrayals of backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives in all their complexity.

Continued Page 2

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DIVERSE, EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE LITERATURE IN CHILDREN’S BOOKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Superficial or majority-view portrayals of distinct cultures only serve to further marginalize individuals and communities.

Bishop (1990) continues in paragraph four, “When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. Our classrooms need to be places where all the children from all the cultures that make up the salad bowl of American society can find their names.”

Inclusive texts ensure that children from diverse backgrounds—be it race, ethnicity, gender, disability, or family structure—see themselves in stories. This visibility is crucial for their emotional and social development. Inclusive texts benefit all children, not just those from underrepresented groups. Exposure to diverse texts broadens children's perspectives, fosters empathy and has been shown to enhance reading motivation, engagement and comprehension.

It is important for educators, parents and librarians to actively seek out and promote inclusive texts. Books like "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, which tells the story of a boy with a facial difference, help children understand and empathize with those who might be seen as different. "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai, which follows a young Vietnamese refugee, provides insight into the experiences of displaced children.

Books like "El Deafo" by Cece Bell, a graphic novel about a young girl with hearing loss, and "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis, which centers on a young Afghan girl under Taliban rule, provide mirrors for children with similar experiences and windows for others to learn about their lives. These stories validate the experiences of marginalized children and help to bridge gaps between different communities.

Inclusive texts in children’s literature are not just a trend. They are a necessity. They enrich the literary field, foster empathy and understanding, improve comprehension and provide ALL children with the representation they deserve. As our societies evolve, so must the stories we tell our children to ensure that every child can see themselves in the pages of a book and know they belong.

Works Cited Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 1(3), ix–xi.

Retrieved June 9, 2024, https://scenicregional.org/wpcontent/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf Scholastic, Inc. (2019). Kids and family reading report. 7th Edition. Finding Their Story. Retrieved June 9, 2024, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED594490

Alpha Delta Kappa University of Arizona President Attends Regional Conference and Presents!

Megan Floyd Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club President, University of Arizona The Alpha Delta Kappa Northwest/Southwest Regional Conference was held in my home state in Bellevue, Washington.

I had the opportunity to attend part of this conference on Saturday, June 29th alongside my mother Dawn Green, who has been a dedicated public school teacher for 28 years. This was my first time attending an Alpha Delta Kappa conference and it did not disappoint! The day was filled with many opportunities to connect with other educators and listen to educational talks and presentations. One of my favorite parts of the day was listening to the DEI Panel. The ladies sharing their experiences and honest reflections only furthered my commitment to providing equitable education for all students in my future classrooms.

Another day's highlight was giving a speech about our Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club at the University of Arizona in Tucson. I currently serve as the president of our club and feel so delighted with the progress we have made regarding membership. I told the conference attendees that we currently have 17 members who take part in our altruistic projects, while also being dedicated students and preservice teachers in the professional program. These ladies are some of the most committed people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I believe that every college that has a College of Education needs to have an Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club. The friendships that have formed through our club are invaluable.

The day featured in the photo tugged at my heartstrings and made me feel emotional at times, and also made me feel so proud to be a part of the collegiate club version of this organization. I look forward to joining a chapter after graduation and making new connections. I would like to say a huge thank you to our club sponsor Suzanne Maly as well as Mollie Acosta, Immediate Past International President for making my attendance at the conference possible.

You Asked For IT!!!!

During the listening tours of AΔKCC members and alum, overwhelmingly YOU ALL ASKED FOR IT! You asked for FREE CLASSROOM RESOURCES for all areas. Well, guess what? Our current members are here to help! We are launching TODAY this resource library of ideas, lessons, units, and much more for your use. FREE! This online community is accessible to you as a current or alum member.

This community is part of our CONNECT Communities for our members like you. Have a great resource yourself, add yours in the library too!

Lost your credentials, email Just log into your profile and then follow this link: headquarters@alphadeltakappa.org https://connect.alphadeltakappa.org/home

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