Inclusive Texts in Elementary Classrooms

 

Many congratulations to Dr. Amy Heineke and Aimee Papola-Ellis on their recent book release! 

Inclusive Texts in Elementary Classrooms demonstrates how to put children’s diverse and storied experiences at the center of classroom curriculum. Kids thrive when they see themselves in texts, and this book offers actionable ways for educators to create more inclusive content.

Many of the books referenced in Inclusive Texts in Elementary Classrooms are owned by Loyola University Chicago Libraries and many of the books can be purchased at a selection of local bookstore. Click here, to learn more about checking our books from Loyola libraries or puchasing from a local bookstpre. 

Schools are more diverse than ever before, but the texts and materials that typify classroom curricula continue to prioritize so-called mainstream stories and perspectives. These canonical texts often exclude the nuanced identities and rich lived experiences of the very children sitting in today's classrooms.

But kids thrive when they see themselves in texts and learn about the world around them by connecting with the experiences of others. Based on the authors' work with elementary school teachers over the last decade, this resource offers strategies for moving away from canonical texts.

Book Features: An actionable way for teachers to move from theory to practice, using what we know about culturally relevant practice and critical literacy to create instruction that enhances children's classroom experiences and learning. An inclusive and intersectional approach that supports all teachers in enhancing their classroom libraries and curricular resources for the benefit of all students. Specific ideas for texts and authors, as well as more generalizable themes and ideas that will guide future exploration and use of texts in classrooms. Tangible strategies and rich classrooms examples from 20 expert teachers spanning diverse elementary school settings. Reflective questions to help practitioners personalize the content to their own contexts.

Learn more and order the book HERE.