AlphaDeltaKappa CollegiateClubs&Alumni July2024
Collegiate Clubs Network
TheTransformativePower ofDiverse,Equitableand InclusiveLiteraturein Children’sBooks
Welcometoourmonthly newsletter!Wearehereto provideyouwithsome helpfultips,connections, andnetworking opportunities.
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"Fiftypercentofyouthaged9-17 who read frequently also reported it is very or extremely important to include diversity- people and experiencesdifferentfromtheirown This emphasizes the importance of relevant representation and diverse portrayals of backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectivesinalltheircomplexity.
THETRANSFORMATIVEPOWEROFDIVERSE, EQUITABLEANDINCLUSIVELITERATUREIN CHILDREN’SBOOKS
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Superficial or majority-view portrayals of distinct cultures only serve to further marginalizeindividualsandcommunities
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 ofAmericansocietycanfindtheirnames”
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 showntoenhancereadingmotivation,engagementandcomprehension. 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 experiencesofdisplacedchildren.
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 betweendifferentcommunities.
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 theybelong.
WorksCited
Sims Bishop, R. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives, 1(3), ix–xi Retrieved June 9, 2024, https://scenicregionalorg/wpcontent/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doorspdf
Scholastic, Inc. (2019). Kids and family reading report. 7th Edition. Finding Their Story.RetrievedJune9,2024,https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED594490
AlphaDeltaKappaUniversityofArizona President AttendsRegionalConference andPresents!
MeganFloydAlphaDeltaKappaCollegiateClubPresident,UniversityofArizona
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 teacherfor28years Thiswasmyfirsttime attending an Alpha Delta Kappa conference and it did not disappoint! The daywasfilledwithmanyopportunities toconnectwithothereducatorsandlistentoeducationaltalksandpresentations 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 equitableeducationforallstudentsinmyfutureclassrooms.
Another day's highlight was giving a speech about our Alpha Delta Kappa CollegiateClubattheUniversityofArizonainTucson Icurrentlyserveasthepresident of our club and feel so delighted with the progress we have made regarding membership.Itoldtheconferenceattendeesthatwecurrentlyhave17memberswho 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 CollegiateClub Thefriendshipsthathaveformedthroughourclubareinvaluable
The day featured in the photo tugged at my heartstrings and made me feel emotionalattimes,andalsomademefeelsoproudtobeapartofthecollegiateclub 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 makingmyattendanceattheconferencepossible.
DuringthelisteningtoursofAΔKCCmembersand alum,overwhelminglyYOUALLASKEDFORIT!You askedforFREECLASSROOMRESOURCES forall areas. Well,guesswhat?Ourcurrentmembersare heretohelp! WearelaunchingTODAYthis resourcelibraryofideas,lessons,units,andmuch moreforyouruse. FREE! Thisonlinecommunityis accessibletoyouasacurrentoralummember ThiscommunityispartofourCONNECT Communitiesforourmemberslikeyou. Havea greatresourceyourself,addyoursinthelibrarytoo! Justlogintoyourprofileandthenfollowthislink: https://connectalphadeltakappaorg/home
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