People experience the world in different ways. From the things we wear to the languages we speak and the ideologies we uphold, cultural norms and traditions shape who we are.
Cultural diversity is part of the fabric of humanity鈥攃reating a path for new ideas and development. Diverse cultures of the world live and work harmoniously together when聽recognition, acceptance, and mutual respect聽are present.
Books are wonderful tools to help kids practice cultural awareness and celebrate diversity. Reading stories enables聽children to connect with聽their own聽feelings and experiences in relation to聽the character’s聽feelings experiences.
In fact, reading is shown to increase kids’ social and emotional learning skills. Through reading, children can learn to empathize with characters, interpret multiple different experiences in a story, and relate events聽from a story with their own lives.
In honor of聽Cultural Diversity Day we’re sharing some of our favorite multicultural kids books and providing a step-by-step guide聽on how to lead a cultural diversity read aloud with the kids in your life. Let’s celebrate cultural diversity by encouraging kids to engage with and discuss multicultural children鈥檚 literature.
How to lead a cultural diversity read aloud
What you’ll need: One to three books from the , the , a cozy spot to read, and a reading partner.
Step 1:聽Secure your books
Reference our exploring topics of cultural diversity for children in聽kindergarten through fifth grade. Choose your favorite titles, and visit your local library or bookstore to pick them up if you don鈥檛 have them handy at home.
Step 2:聽Prepare
Once you have your books selected, print out a copy of the .
Step 3: Start by selecting a book
Start the read aloud by letting your young reading partner preview two or three book options before selecting one to read. If you are only able to purchase or borrow one book, then consider including your reading partner in the book selection process in step 1.
Step 4: Set a purpose
Follow the discussion guide to set a purpose and make some predictions about the book before reading.
Step 5: Read
As you read, pause at key points聽throughout the story to checkin. Refer to the for sample questions about the plot, setting, and characters.
Step 6: After reading
After you are done reading the book, revisit some of the main themes and events in the book. Check in with your reading partner about their reactions. Reference the discussion guide for some great 鈥渁fter reading鈥 questions.