Knowing the accomplishments of those we identify with is one of the most powerful factors in seeing our own potential. Equally important is seeing people with identities we do not share achieving greatness. When history is taught in schools, teachers must ensure that a diverse range of identities are represented. Often textbooks are not theContinue reading “Lives to be Remembered”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Messages for Our Heroes
One of the major strengths of Adrienne Kisner’s book, Dear Rachel Maddow, is the depth of her main character Brynn. While the book could have focused solely on Brynn’s sexual orientation, it does not. Kisner could have made the focus Brynn’s learning disability, but she didn’t. The focus also could have been the family strugglesContinue reading “Messages for Our Heroes”
Shared Experience
In Saffron Ice Cream, an autobiographical picture book by Rashin, our students meet a little girl who enjoys swimming and ice cream. These are experiences that many children can relate to right away. We learn as we read that Rashin immigrated to the United States with her family from Iran where she also enjoyed swimmingContinue reading “Shared Experience”
Let’s Get Started!
Our name is the way that we present ourselves to the world, especially when so much of our communication occurs over email or online. When their name seems long or unique among peers, it can be a challenge for students. Alma and How she Got Her Name, by Juana Martinez-Neal, comes to the rescue. Alma’sContinue reading “Let’s Get Started!”
Introduction
Hello everyone, My name is Leah Cole and I am a special education teacher in Iowa. I have always been passionate about social justice, children’s books, and education, but I have recently become very interested in doing a better job of joining these passions to make a bigger impact in my classroom. Students are facedContinue reading “Introduction”
The Journey Begins
Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
Teaching Social Justice with Children's Books 