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When is Read Across America?
March 2nd marks Read Across America Day, a cherished occasion where libraries and schools unite to celebrate the wonders of reading. Traditionally, the focus has centered on Dr. Seuss’s books and related activities. However, recent times have witnessed a shift towards embracing multicultural and diverse literature, presenting an exciting opportunity to introduce students and parents to a wider array of children’s books while promoting acceptance, kindness, and cultural diversity.
Enhancing Diversity in Read Across America
Exploring Authors
- Select authors renowned for their diverse writings or inclusion of multicultural characters.
- Create visually engaging displays featuring the author’s name, brief biographical details, and covers of their notable works.
- Consider highlighting 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 delve into research on these authors and create displays for Read Across America week.
Engagement for All
- Extend invitations to staff, parents, and students to share beloved books representing their own cultural heritage or country.
- Encourage participants to share personal connections to their chosen books and why they hold significance.
- Utilize the shared titles creatively, such as setting up interactive Book Recommendations walls or placing book covers on a world map to connect them with specific locations.
- Establish a dedicated “Where in the World?” corner where students can read the same book to explore its setting collectively.
Cultural Celebration
- Organize a school-wide culture fair, assigning each class a specific country or culture to showcase.
- Foster collaboration among teachers and distribute responsibilities to ensure a comprehensive and engaging event.
- Utilize the culture fair as a platform to celebrate diversity, share cultural traditions, and promote mutual understanding.
Promoting Diversity
- Expand the range of books offered to include stories from diverse cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
- Seek out authors and illustrators from marginalized communities to elevate their voices and perspectives.
- Facilitate discussions on themes of inclusivity, empathy, and social justice within the chosen literature.
- Collaborate with local community organizations to access resources and support for diversifying reading materials.
By actively integrating diverse perspectives, Read Across America can evolve into a more inclusive and enriching experience for all participants. This approach not only fosters a deeper appreciation for the world’s richness and complexity but also nurtures empathy and understanding among readers of all backgrounds.
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