For Your Binder

While the stats are specific to Australia, we can be informed by the data and make sure that regardless of where we live and work we are investigating the diversity (including ethnicity, gender and sexuality) of our book corner. # equity # books # stories # gender # reading # teaching # learning

You do not need to live in down under to benefit from the tips on how to build a more diverse story book collection that are shared in this article by Australian author Helen Joanne Adam. BONUS!  This is one of those great resources where the links within the link will all be beneficial for you and your exploration of this topic! # equity # books # stories # teaching # learning

It's impossible to define a fairy tale as a literary genre because it has become more of a cultural institution than anything else. # fairytales # stories # reading # books

Couple things here - this is an old link and the form to fill out to access the interview is no longer secure - do what you will with that.  Zipes' thoughts down towards the bottom of the page though are still very much worth the read.  Then, if you are so inclined, search his name JACK ZIPES on YouTube... better carve out a couple days!  It's a rabbit hole of amazingness that is worth falling into and you might just be a little sad when you decide to climb back out!  # fairytales # stories # books # reading

Many important issues can be worked out through argument and conflict.  # fairytales # books # stories # reading 

This link will take you to a microfiche document that is dated in both narrative language and in copyright terms but the heart of the message is still valid: across the country non-white children are learning to read from books which scarcely mention them or omit them entirely - what does that say to them about their perceived role in the world they are growing up in?

# books # stories # DAP # language # literacy # diversity # inclusion # teaching # learning # reading

Here is the full text of the essay Tolkein presented (in an abbreviated form) in 1938 at St. Andrews, Scotland.  A couple of my favorite quotes: "If fairy story as a kind is worth reading at all it is worthy to be written for and ready by adults."  And, "It may be better for them (children) to read some things, especially fairy stories, that are beyond their measure rather than short of it. Their books like their clothes should allow for growth, and their books at any rate should encourage it." # books # stories # fairytales # reading 

The title has changed over the years but the message hasn't - why do we continue to interrupt engaged children to come to a meeting???  # books # stories # play # teaching # handouts

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! # oldschool  

The reason I used this link for you is because within it you will be able to access a few other articles that give historical and more recent (2014) context to this ongoing topic. The other reason is because this website as a whole is a fantastic resource for making sure your book area is providing windows, sliding glass doors and mirrors for everyone! # books # stories # DAP # language # literacy # equity # diversity # teaching # learning # reading

Literary fairy tales (meaning: written down, as opposed to a spoken story that was shared via oral traditions) were not at first called fairy tales and it was not until the 1690s, in France (of course) that the fairy tale established itself as a "legitimate" genre. # fairytales # stories # reading # books

In this article the author introduces readers to the newest book in the Contesting Early Childhood Series entitled, Alternative Narratives in Early Childhood in which Moss explores two key terms: narratives and dominant discourses. A quote from the author, "My hope is that the dominant discourse will be put back in its place as just one of many stories as a local narrative that once upon a time got beyond itself and claimed to be the universal truth." # teaching 

Books are sometimes windows to new worlds; real, imagined or strange. Sometimes books are sliding glass doors we walk through so we can join that world in our imagination. Books can also be mirrors; reflections of our own lives and experiences. This classic article reminds readers of the importance of offering books that provide all three.  All of our children suffer when stories only mirror the dominant social group. This article might perhaps a much needed conversation about the contents of your book center! When I first read it I ended up launching myself down a very interesting rabbit hole and spent a fine afternoon reading articles that, albeit very dated, are probably still timely regarding the all white world of children's books. # reading # books # stories # teaching # learning # equity # inclusion # diversity # DAP # language # literacy