This blog post is part of听,庐听a new initiative focused exclusively on helping teachers build their book knowledge and their classroom libraries. It was written by 起点传媒members Stephanie听Affinito and Kris McGee.
As literacy teacher educators, we understand the power teachers have in shaping students鈥� reading identities and reading lives. Teachers model reading habits, invite students into reading with powerful read-alouds, cultivate diverse classroom libraries, and protect sacred student-led independent reading time in the classroom.
We believe teachers must be wide and voracious readers themselves, specifically readers of children鈥檚 literature, to cultivate strong reading communities in their classrooms.
And we believe that teacher education programs can boost teachers鈥� reading lives so they are better prepared to advocate for authentic reading practices in the classroom.
We offer seven picture books every preservice teacher should read before heading to the classroom. These books shape teachers鈥� thinking about themselves, the world around them, and the role books have in creating more just communities.
by Matt de la Pe帽a and illustrated by Christian Robinson offers readers a glimpse into the relationship between CJ and his Nana. As they ride the bus across town, each of CJ鈥檚 questions is answered by Nana鈥檚 positive responses. This book urges readers to see beauty in unexpected places, celebrate diversity, and think about their role in their world to make it a better place.
by Minh L锚 and illustrated by Dan Santat is a breathtaking book that captures the developing relationship between a boy and his grandfather. Initially separated by language, they come together around their love of art and story. Together, they create a magnificent bond that needs no words to show the love they share.
by Gaia Cornwall is a powerful story about overcoming your fears. Jabari, a courageous little boy ready to jump off the diving board, teaches readers the power of determination. Supported by a loving and encouraging father, Jabari jumps off the diving board and into the hearts of readers.
by Maribeth Boelts and illustrated by Noah Z. Jones captures a boy鈥檚 dreams to have the latest fashions on his feet. Readers meet Jeremy, a boy determined to claim as his own the cool, black high-tops with two white stripes. But Jeremy soon realizes that material items are not all they’re cracked up to be and makes a heartfelt decision to share them with someone who needs them more.
In by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael L贸pez, there are many different children in the classroom; some speak a different language, some are from other countries. This story celebrates the differences between everyone.听 The students in the classroom learn about each other and maybe even become friends.
听by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman celebrates difference. 鈥淲e are part of a community; our strength is our diversity鈥� is such a strong quote from this book. We need to make sure to make our classroom a community. This book explores the beauty of discovering one another’s differences and celebrating them as a whole.
by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton is a story about Brian. No one includes him in their group, invites him to their party, or asks him to join their team at recess. Brian is invisible to the other students until the new boy, Justin, arrives. It is Justin who reveals Brian鈥檚 hidden talents as they work on a class project together, and Brian is able to shine.
By reading and authentically responding to diverse titles, we offer opportunities for preservice teachers to reflect on what reading is and what it could be for their students.
Have an idea for a Build Your Stack blog post? We鈥檙e now accepting submissions from 起点传媒members!听听补苍诲听听a post today.
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Stephanie听Affinito is a literacy teacher educator at The University at Albany in New York. She teaches graduate courses on elementary classroom literacy instruction, literacy intervention, and children鈥檚 literature.听You can find Stephanie on Twitter at .
Kris McGee is an associate professor of literacy for Frostburg State University. She is the coordinator of the MEd Literacy Educator program and Master of Arts in Teaching program and is the founder and director of University PALS Scholars program. You can find her on Twitter at .