In one sentence, why are picture books important for cultivating belonging?
Picture books are a great way to promote feelings of belonging & acceptance. They can help children recognize their shared humanity & commonalities. By using picture books, we can foster a sense of connectedness & appreciation for diversity.
Cultivating Belonging with Picture Books
Diversity: A range of different things. It can refer to the inclusion of different types of people, such as those of different ages, genders, ethnicities, abilities, or sexual orientations. Inclusion: The process of creating an environment in which all individuals are welcomed, respected, and given the opportunity to participate. Belonging: The feeling of being part of a group, community, or culture. It is a sense of connection and understanding that goes beyond just being physically present.
Concepts:
In the US, the average public library carries around 1,000 picture books. Picture books are the longest-running genre in children’s literature, with the first published in the early 1700s. The most expensive picture book ever sold at auction was 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit', which sold for $90,000.
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How can we use picture books to foster a sense of belonging in the classroom?
What makes a picture book particularly effective in cultivating belonging?
What are the implications of using picture books to cultivate belonging?
How can we be mindful of how our choice of picture books may influence our students' sense of belonging?
Brain break: Draw a potato playing a guitar and maracas while wearing a sombrero and sunglasses.
Question: How could you cultivate a sense of belonging through the use of picture books for a classroom of diverse learners? Clues: • Explore the range of perspectives and experiences of the learners. • Identify themes that could be relevant to all learners. • Think of ways to encourage active engagement and exploration. In pairs: Select and solve one of the tasks: A. Brainstorm ideas for the use of picture books in the classroom. B. Create a drawing illustrating how picture books can help foster a sense of belonging.
Which of the following is not a benefit of using picture books to cultivate a sense of belonging?
- Improved reading skills
- Increased cultural awareness
- Enhanced empathy
What role can picture books play in fostering inclusivity?
- Promoting physical fitness
- Teaching math and science concepts
- Representing diverse characters and experiences
How can educators use picture books to promote belonging in the classroom?
- Banning all picture books from the curriculum
- Selecting books that reflect students' identities and cultures
- Using only non-fiction texts as teaching resources
Why are authentic illustrations important in picture books for cultivating belonging?
- They make the book more visually appealing
- They provide representation for underrepresented groups
- They help improve vocabulary skills
Which of the following strategies can parents use to promote a sense of belonging through picture books at home?
- Reading only one genre of picture book to children
- Engaging in discussions about characters' emotions and experiences
- Limiting access to picture books as they distract children from other activities
Work together in pairs: What strategies can you use to help children from diverse backgrounds feel included in a group when using picture books?