001562267 001__ 1562267
001562267 005__ 20241005003446.0
001562267 0247_ $$2doi$$a10.58090/usi.1562267
001562267 037__ $$aIR
001562267 041__ $$aeng
001562267 245__ $$aEnhancing Cultural Responsiveness: The Importance of Integrating Diverse and Inclusive Children's Literature in K-8 Classrooms
001562267 269__ $$a2024-09-19
001562267 300__ $$a147 p.
001562267 520__ $$aThis study explores how teachers select books to enhance classroom libraries, focusing on the need for diverse literature. This is fundamental for helping K-12 students develop empathy, critical thinking, and an understanding of diverse experiences, which reduces stereotypes and fosters inclusivity. Many libraries, however, remain Eurocentric, potentially “othering” students of color and impeding their educational growth and ability to become life-long readers. A qualitative case study was conducted across ten classrooms in both private and public schools. The study involved a frequency audit of 11,371 book titles and interviews with teachers to understand their book selection processes. Books were cataloged using the Book Connect app, focusing on themes like race and ethnicity due to data saturation. The analysis revealed gaps in diverse representation and identified challenges such as high book costs, curriculum constraints, and outdated materials. Findings showed varied levels of intentionality among teachers. Some effectively utilized inclusive literature and frameworks like Rudine Sims Bishop’s "Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors" to reflect diverse student experiences, while others struggled with outdated resources or lacked an approach to updating their libraries. The study emphasizes the need for intentional book selection and regular up-to-date purchases to ensure cultural relevance and inclusivity. Creating a culturally relevant library involves thoughtful curation and engagement with diverse perspectives. By following frameworks from Bishop, Ladson-Billings, Nieto, and Gay, teachers can incorporate a range of genres and promote discussions on diverse topics, enhancing student engagement and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
001562267 650__ $$aDiversity in children's literature$$0Diversity in middle grades literature
001562267 6531_ $$adiverse literature
001562267 6531_ $$aclassroom libraries
001562267 6531_ $$abook selections
001562267 6531_ $$aempathy
001562267 6531_ $$ainclusivity
001562267 6531_ $$acultural relevancy
001562267 6531_ $$acritical thinking
001562267 6531_ $$abook audit
001562267 6531_ $$achildren's literature
001562267 6531_ $$amiddle grades literature
001562267 7001_ $$aPycior, Janell$$uUniversity of Southern Indiana$$10009-0006-7267-9309
001562267 8564_ $$9120dbb7c-4482-474e-9c0c-952248c0fdc6$$s4787224$$uhttps://library.usi.edu/record/1562267/files/USI%20Dissertation_Pycior_FINAL.pdf
001562267 909CO $$ooai:library.usi.edu:1562267$$pGLOBAL_SET
001562267 980__ $$aDISSERTATION