As I move into my practice as a teacher, I want to ensure that I am able to offer an inclusive variety of books targeted at kids with inclusive messages. One great example is a book I read for this course this year, Melissa. Just starting off talking about transgender identities and how it can affect people at practically any age allows me to foster and kindness and a sense of welcoming for students in my classroom who might identify as transgender
Continuing the thought from there, it certainly would not be sufficient if I placed this book in my class library and called it a day. I need a variety of inclusive materials that allow students to naturally engage with and understand complex cultural issues. I would also want to ensure that a variety of LGBTQ2SIA+ books are available including options such as:
– Pride: An Inspirational History of the LGBTQ+ Movement
– And many more! I actually was able to find some amazing LGTQ2SIA+ resources online that show off a ton of books that could be used to teach acceptance of the queer community
I also want to make sure that I have Indigenous resources, but not only that, but meaningful Ktunaxa resources that connect students directly to their area. For Ktunaxa resources, there are multiple different books such as Ktunaxa Legends which can be purchased through SKINKUȻ Treasures at the Tamarack Mall in Cranbrook. Another excellent resources is that Ktunaxa Books app which can be downloaded onto school or class devices.
Apart from Ktunaxa specific resources, I would also want indigenous stories that reflect the overall Indigenous experience such as Fatty Legs and one of the most personally affecting stories: The Orange Shirt Story
For me, creating an cultivating harmony and acceptance is so important to me in the classroom. I want to make sure that I am providing students with the information required to cultivate a kind and affirming viewpoint on cultural differences. I greatly enjoy and appreciate the ability to use my profession as an arbiter for good and create a more positive world, and using literature to put student’s in the shoes of another is just the first step.