On March 2nd, Read Across America Day brings together libraries and schools to celebrate the joy of reading. While traditionally focused on Dr. Seuss books and activities, recent years have seen a shift towards promoting multicultural and diverse literature. This change presents a fantastic opportunity to introduce students and parents to a broader range of children’s books and develop programs that highlight acceptance, kindness, and cultural diversity.
Contents
Some Ideas And Activities To Incorporate Into Your Schools And Libraries To Align With This New Focus
Author Studies
- Select authors known for writing diverse books or featuring multicultural characters.
- Create a bulletin board display showcasing the author’s name, key biographical facts, and book covers from their works.
- Consider authors like Ezra Jack Keats, Patricia Polacco, Tomie dePaola, Matt de la Peña, Jacqueline Woodson, Peter Reynolds, and Allen Say.
- Encourage older elementary students to research authors from the provided list and design displays for Read Across America week.
Get Everyone Involved
- Invite staff, parents, and students to share their favorite books from their own culture or country.
- Have participants explain why they love the book and its significance to them.
- Utilize these titles in various ways, such as creating an interactive Book Recommendations wall or hanging book covers on a world map to connect them with specific locations.
- Establish a “Where in the World?” corner where students read the same book to discover its setting.
Culture Fair
- Arrange a school-wide culture fair, assigning each class a country or culture to represent.
- Involve teachers in the planning process and distribute responsibilities to make it a collaborative effort.
- Utilize the event to celebrate diversity, share traditions, and foster mutual understanding.
Make Read Across America More Diverse
- Expand the selection of books to include stories from various cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
- Seek out authors and illustrators representing marginalized communities and amplify their voices.
- Encourage discussions on themes of inclusivity, empathy, and social justice within the chosen literature.
- Collaborate with local community organizations to provide resources and support for diversifying reading materials.
By actively integrating diverse perspectives, Read Across America can become a more inclusive and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the world we live in.
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