Picking multicultural literature can be very daunting and scary. But following these dos and don'ts can help make the process easier and more exciting.
Do:
- Pick authentic books; research the author to ensure they write from experience.
- Focus on the plot: don't pick a book that is seen as just a lesson. You want students to enjoy what they are reading.
- Celebrate diversity; Highlight the beauty of other cultures. Show the differences but don't make them seem lesser than your own.
- Connect; connect other cultures to the students. Show how they can be similar but also different.
Don't:
- Include multicultural books at certain times; don't share books on different cultures during cultural heritage months. They should be read at different times during the school year.
- Don't assume things; you may not be an expert on different cultures and that is okay! You can learn with your students!
- Appropriate; don't use sacred or custom objects to prove a point in the lesson. Use them to boost the story and understanding.
- Shy away; if you don't know the language used, have a video available as a read-aloud. Don't discard certain books because they may be too "complex", students can learn from them still.
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