Promoting Perspective-Taking Through the Use of Literature

Instructions

• Individually or as a school staff, take a moment to review your curriculum, school library, or classroom library.
  • Count how many books in any of these places represent diverse students (e.g., students from traditionally under-represented racial/ethnic backgrounds, students with disabilities, non-binary students, etc.)?
  • Consider which groups of students are not represented in the books you have included in your curriculum or in the school library.
• Based on your data, commit to making a change to your curriculum or library. Take about 10 minutes to write out your commitment and create an action plan. In your action plan, consider the following questions:
  • Which books will you add?
  • How will you get the funding to purchase these books?
  • By when will you try to have these books in your classroom?
• If you need support in finding books to include, consider using one or some of the following resources:
  • Books on Black Joy (preK-4)
  • Asian American Picture Books (preK-4)
  • Scholarly Review of Children’s Books (preK-6)
  • Books for Hispanic Heritage Month (preK-8)
  • Nonfiction (Grades: 7-12)
  • Fiction (Grades: 9-12)
  • More Options (K-6)
  • More Options for Older Students (Grades: 4-12)

Source

Rhoda Myra Garces-Bacsal, Ph.D., United Arab Emirates University

Evidence That It Works

Research shows that children’s literature can be used to influence the behavior of children. In one study, children who read books about sharing were more generous compared to students who read stories about animals or seeds. In another study, five-year old children showed an increase in perspective-taking and expressed more empathy after reading books about bullying and engaging in role-playing.

Furthermore, research shows that representation is important to students’ well-being. In one study, Black students, but not white students, reported greater well-being after watching the Black Panther movie. Thus, by including books about individuals with diverse backgrounds teachers can increase the well-being of students from underrepresented backgrounds and also promote greater perspective-taking and empathy.

Why Does It Matter?

By adding culturally diverse books to a classroom, teachers are modeling interest and acceptance of diversity in their classrooms. This can encourage students to do the same, thus, helping to create a safe and welcoming environment for all. By reading diverse books students can also develop the skills they need to form stronger intergroup relationships. Preparing them to better navigate our increasingly diverse society with more empathy, which is greatly needed.

Furthermore, much research has found that culturally sensitive and diverse literature is critical for literacy achievement and motivation among students. Thus, teachers can better support their students’ academic and personal development by simply making sure that the experiences, perspectives, and opinions of students from all backgrounds are represented in the books available at school and in the day to day curriculum.