Category: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

On Finding Diverse Children’s Books —

Every so often I go through a phase of intense research and discovery to find quality accurate representative literature for my classroom, for my friends, for the children in my life.

I focus on re-configuring my library. I am inspired to find the next best thing. I am thrilled to get to those books I have heard about, but haven’t gotten to read, until now. It sounds fun, and generally it is an enjoyable experience; however, I would be lying if I said it was always sunshine and roses.

Join me on Canon Reclaimed as I start a mini-series on this saga, this truly difficult journey, of finding quality accurate representative books for kids.

Summer Learning: Webinars

As previously mentioned and announced, I have been fortunate enough to be able to take all my learning and passion into professional development training for my colleagues and fellow educators around the nation–most recently and specifically into webinar presentations.

All teachers know that while summer is our official break time, multiple opportunities come out for learning and preparation for the following year during summer.

I have been asked, and I am thrilled to present, two webinars next week on two demographics of students near and dear to my heart, my work, my experience, and my community: BIPOC students and immigrant students.

If you can’t join me, please share with friends that may be interested, and wish me luck!

May: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Every month we have the opportunity to put a community, or a topic, center stage. This year, out of all years, I feel an added obligation, responsibility, and drive to spotlight Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and heritage.

I encourage every educator, parent, and student to celebrate AAPI folks and contributions with added zeal this May 2021. In a year that has seen great tumult, that has generated targeted hate and violence, we have a responsibility to push back against racism, misogyny, and white supremacy.

May 2021 celebrate through literature, through video, through TikTok! Provide more content, representation, and depth of understanding–specifically about the AAPI community. We have so much to learn and share, let’s do just that . . .

Don’t know where to start? Here’s a quick and simple list 🤗

Book recommendations:

Children’s/picture book: Thank You Very Mochi by Paul Matsushima

Adult/nonfiction/memoir: Know My Name by Chanel Miller and Dear America, Notes from an Undocumented Citizen by Jose Antonio Vargas

Podcast episode:

CodeSwitch — Not Just a ‘Black Thing’: An Asian-American’s Bond with Malcolm X

Social Media recommendation:

@intersectional.abc (activist)

@leendadong (just fun/funny)

@teachandtransform (ABAR educator)

Other:

AAPI community organizations, museums, and centers near you!

On Dr. Seuss . . .

It has taken some time to understand last month’s news saga and controversy around Dr. Seuss.

As an educator, as an avid reader, as someone committed to DEI and antiracism, I took my time forming an opinion and evaluation. I wanted to listen with intention. I wanted to consider disciplines and connections.

I ended up turning my thoughts and analysis into an article, and this article is currently being featured on Educate, on Medium.

I am thrilled to be featured, and I hope you will take the time to read it 🤗.