Representation Matters!
Dispatches from the EBES DEI Committee
Why is it so important to have an inclusive classroom environment with books and materials that reflect all your students?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, listen to her Ted Talk on The Danger of a Single Story (click on the picture)
Grace Lin, The Mirrors and Windows of Your Child's Bookshelf: Listen to her talk about her experience with the Five Chinese Brothers (click on the picture)
But, haven't we come a long way? Aren't we way past these issues? I mean, look at all these awesome books!
Well, yes and no! There are definitely more books and materials available that reflect more than than one kind of person or experience, and we've gotten more conscious about including and promoting those materials to everyone, but...
as the graphic above shows, over 75% of book characters are either white or animals, so there is still some work left to do. The good news is that every time we buy more inclusive materials, it benefits all the children we serve, and it encourages publishers to keep publishing a wider variety of authors.
Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions or would like help with book lists or more information, please contact the EBES DEI Committee!