Many American families do not fit the stereotype of a traditional family with the husband, wife, and a couple of children anymore. I learned from the link, The Boy Captured the Moon, Jenn posted that 9 million children are being raised by gay and lesbian parents in the United States, but the literature reflecting those children's life is very limited. However, the link shows us an online magazine, Rainbow Rumpus, introduces The Boy Captured the Moon by Patt Ligman with the purpose of reading about such families and suggested discussion questions and reading activities. Whether or not reading the story to young children in a classroom could be controversial, it is very helpful for all of us to learn that families come in different types and make ups and that all the families must be acknowledged.
I find the guidelines that Rainbow Rumpus provides very useful, especially #1: Let children decide for themselves when and how much to share about their own families. Some children may be afraid how they will be judged by others; some may feel defensive about the family questions; some are simply uncomfortable talking about it without knowing the reasons.
Children's literature having a controversial theme can be a great resource for older students though, -- this is what I recently leaned in a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) course. I work international college students, so I may utilize children's literature The Boy Captured the Moon or several other books Nikki posted, to introduce the diverse mix of families in the United States. Thank you very much for the information.
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I really appreciate your highlighting a topic I did not explore on the GLSEN site, relevant children's literature. As an adult ed. instructor I tend to overlook that topic. However, using such resources in an adult ESL class is a great idea. I hope to 'experiment' upon my return to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI agree, children should be able to feel comfortable in their school environment and not feel like they have to discuss something they are not ready to talk about. However, with the right guidance and support we can teach children that their input is valued and we acknowledge their differences. Reading a variety of stories to children allows them to expand on personal experiences. I have found that their art projects also tell us so much if we really look and listen.
ReplyDeleteHi Kiyomi,
ReplyDeleteIn class yesterday we briefly discussed children's literature concerning gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. More specifically, the lack of children's literature bringing awareness to this topic. I love the idea of using children's literature with older students, I think it is a great way to get them involved!
Kiyomi
ReplyDeleteI liked that your blog entry acknowledged that when working with young children a piece of literature relating to gay, lesbian, or bisexual people or in this case families may be controversial. I also agree that it is important for us as educators to know about these valuable resources. I think the idea of sharing the literature with students is a very individual choice and educational settings must be considered as well.
Thank you Kiyomi for your sensitivity when it comes to young children and respecting the limits they are comfortable with. Many individuals, even older ones prefer not to share the details of their private life publicly.
ReplyDeleteModeling respect for all students is important. After all, isn't that the lesson we are ultimately trying to convey, respecting all?