The topic Jackie and I chose for our area of inquiry is diversity in the classroom through literature in the context of culture, race, and ethnicity. The topic is very broad so by narrowing it down to the literature component will provide us with more specifics as we explore the topic. Whether it be through books for read aloud, more diverse options for individual reading, or through the media incorporating all kinds of diversity in the classroom is something Jackie and I thought is very important for students to be exposed to. Our country is growing more diverse everyday and if students in schools read only literature that doesn't explore other ways of life they are going to be in for a huge culture shock when they hit the real world. As I identified earlier the diversity will focus on culture, race, and ethnicity in order to provide a wide range of diverse subjects in the literature.
The professionals with teaching expertise I will focus most of my research around are Debbie Miller and Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf Education). Having read many of Miller's books I really appreciate the directness of her writing and how she provides excellent tips for various aspects of the classroom. Knowing a lot about her I feel like her stance on include diverse literature in the classroom is one worth investigating. And another scholarly source I will do some research into is the Waldorf approach. Since that approach is centered on a learning by doing, I wonder what kind of information regarding diversity will be included. And being only the beginning of the inquiry project, I can say I will draw on more sources, but I'm not entirely sure who just yet.
Real life classroom experience will be crucial for my own understanding and learning about this topic. Being in my first grade room for practicum I will use that as an opportunity to test the waters and see how students embrace me bringing diversity to their attention. Implementing this inquiry subject into the curriculum I use in my small group setting will be very easy and beneficial for the students. I also plan to let my cooperating teacher know about this inquiry project and see what advice or tips she has to offer regarding the subject.
With the specific focus of diversity in classroom through literature, our topic directly relates to the big ideas we have been delving into about making meaning from reading and getting our students connected and engaged in the literature. With books specifically dealing with diversity I feel like the reading will be far more relatable than the boring reading from the basil readers. Having books that deal with this topic will also expand on the types of meanings that can be made while reading. The scripted books in the curriculum often have just one intended way the reader should make meaning of it, however with these different books reader interpretations can be endless. The importance of making meaning through reading is an idea we have had much discussion about and bringing in these kinds of books will help the students practice that skill.
This sounds really interesting and really significant in the classrooms we are seeing now. Something that your inquiry of diversity makes me think about is how you can use diversity in the curriculum and literacy in the classroom to develop students into people who work for change and take action socially. I'll definitely be looking at your pins!
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