The Importance of a DIVERSE Book Collection

Teaching Culture Responsiveness Through Books

As we are wrapping up our last week of Black History Month, we thought it would be fun to share a handful of our favorite black history books for kids. Be sure to watch for our posts, as each day this week, we will be sharing a different black history book with you, highlighting its importance and how we relate reading to speech and language.

 We as therapists are reminded daily of the impact reading can have on young people, and ultimately, society. Storytelling is one of the best ways to teach kiddos about the importance of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We find it vital to incorporate diverse books in the therapy room as well as encourage such books in the home, as we increase our children’s speech and language. By providing a diverse library (or checking out a diverse selection from your local library!), it allows our young readers to peek into the lives of children with different lived experiences while also serving as a reflection allowing children to see themselves within the books. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, a Professor at Ohio State University famously noted, “When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.”

We at Way to Grow, believe in not just telling children how important it is to respect, value, and honor our differences but to read to children, showing them on the pages of the books. We look forward to sharing with you! Stay tuned for some of our favorites!

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