First Educator

Power of diverse children’s books: building social and global understanding

Dr. Artika Tyner

Power of diverse children’s books building social and global understanding_Dr. Artika Tyner.mp3

Posted Thursday, January 16, 2025 11:04 am

Tips for incorporating diverse childrens books into your child’s reading routine

1. Visit your local library: Libraries often have a wide selection of diverse children’s books. If you don’t see a book or title cataloged, speak to your local librarian and ask about how local residents can request book titles. Signing up for a FREE library card is a simple process. Enjoy instant access to diverse and language-expansive books, movies, and more. Many local libraries offer story time hours and other reading activities. Be sure to check their calendar for the next family literacy event.

2. Support independent bookstores: Minnesota is home to many inclusive independent bookstores that often have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Stop by your local independent bookstores to support a small business and contribute to your child’s inclusive bookshelf.

3. Look for book recommendations via MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators: MN BIPOC Kidlit Creators fills a gap in the children’s literature community in Minnesota by connecting writers and illustrators of color with one another and with readers and educators across the state.

4. Build a literacy community: Your child’s teacher, fellow parents, community networks, and school librarians are all excellent resources who can recommend books that are appropriate for their age and interests.

5. Read outdoors: Take your reading adventure outdoors and explore scenes and other impactful moments in the book with your child. Outdoor settings provide a wealth of sensory experiences, enhancing children’s understanding of the world. Relating book content to the natural world helps children make deeper connections and understand concepts better. It’s important for children and their families to have text-to-self experiences with the book to understand and empathize with stories and cultural spaces new to them.

Audio

Power of diverse children’s books building social and global understanding_Dr. Artika Tyner.mp3

By Dr. Artika Tyner, dr.artikatyner@gmail.com

Diverse books aid in building a solid foundation for a bright educational future. These books nurture our children’s social and emotional development. Each book provides them with the tools to create, innovate, and work together. In addition, these books foster their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

One powerful way to promote literacy and support the academic success of children is to read diverse children’s books with them. As the United States becomes increasingly more diverse, it is critical that children see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Too often, children of color do not see characters that look like them, and this lack of representation limits their connection to books. Diverse books provide mirrors for children of color to see their own experiences, identities, and dreams represented. In addition, these books also serve as windows for all children to better understand and embrace cultural differences. According to Professor Emerita of Education at The Ohio State University Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, “When there are enough books available that can act as both mirrors and windows for all our children, they will see we can celebrate both our differences and our similarities.”

This month’s column explores how diverse books can serve as invaluable learning tools. Thuba Nguyen, Early Childhood Education Specialist and founder of Children of the Collective Arts Academy, LLC, provides practical guidance on the importance of multicultural education and insights on how to build a diverse home library.

THE POWER OF DIVERSE BOOKS

Diverse children’s books, featuring protagonists from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, offer a multitude of benefits for young readers. They help children to:

• Develop empathy and understanding: By encountering characters who are different from themselves, children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives. They can develop empathy for others and understand that everyone has unique experiences and challenges.

As the child’s first teacher, you can foster safety in your child’s curiosity by asking open-ended questions and joining them in finding answers.

By reading diverse children’s books, young readers can appreciate real stories and validate the lived experiences of others. This helps foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

• Challenge stereotypes: Diverse books can help to break down harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about different groups of people.

The growing collection of diverse and inclusive children’s literature is in great part due to BIPOC writers and artists who chose to tell their stories and reimagine powerful moments in their lives. These authors often explore themes of comfort, love, and joy, as well as moments they felt they lacked support in their own experiences.

We must acknowledge that BIPOC people are not a monolith and do not have identical experiences. While nuances and themes may be similar, each group within the diaspora deserves its own cultural identity and celebration.

• Build cultural awareness: Exposure to diverse cultures through literature can help children to develop a broader understanding of the world. They can learn about different traditions, customs, and values.

• See themselves reflected in the world: For children from marginalized groups, seeing themselves represented in books can be incredibly empowering. It can help them to feel valued and included.

Parents and caregivers, as a child’s primary source of learning, play a crucial role in their development. When selecting diverse children’s books, it’s essential to consider the quality of the writing and illustrations, ensuring they are engaging and informative. Additionally, the accuracy of the cultural portrayal is paramount, ensuring that the book authentically represents the culture it depicts. Finally, choosing books that align with your child’s interests will make reading a more enjoyable and enriching experience.

A CALL TO ACTION

Promoting literacy and diversity in books is a call to action. It is an opportunity for all caring adults to support our children as they learn, grow, and lead by serving as First Educators.

See tips in sidebar at right.

By incorporating diverse children’s books into your child’s reading routine, you can help them develop a broader social and global perspective, become more empathetic and understanding members of society, and empower their voices to stand for justice and speak their truth. Reading diverse books is not just about teaching your child about different cultures; it’s about helping them see the world through a more compassionate and inclusive lens, allowing them to make informed choices, think critically about difficult situations, and engage in challenging conversations. This not only helps our young generation of leaders feel seen and represented but also paves the way for infinite thought and ultimately our collective liberation.

First Educator: refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors. Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.