Here is what you need to know about making inclusive children’s book choices.
Children’s books can include culturally controversial content.
But in our cosmopolitan nation-state, children’s books also play a major role in furthering understanding among diverse groups of various ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds and abilities.
To ensure that the books we read to and with young children are aligned with our values and goals, they must be chosen with care.
As a guide, inclusive educators Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards suggest that we consider the following questions when vetting books for our children:
Who is the main character in the book? Who is included in the story? Who is not included in the story?
Does the book include any harmful stereotypes?
Is there more than one character from a minority group? Does the book reflect the diversity you see in your own classroom or community?
What are the relationships between the characters? Who is the leader? Who is in a supporting role?
What impact would this story likely have on children from different backgrounds?
Consider the author’s background. What qualifies the author to write about the cultures described in the book?
Look at the copyright date. When was the book published? Values and ideas around diversity have changed over the years. Does the book reflect cultural values relevant today?
By following these steps, we can feel confident about picking culturally appropriate media and materials.
For more details about bias-free books, click here.
Derman-Sparks’ and Edwards’ book Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves is also available from the National Library Board (NLB) Singapore.
Comments