Reading is Powerful, no doubt. Even more when is intentional. The goal of the Diverse Reads campaign is to help/entice/challenge teachers across campus to purposefully include diverse reads throughout the year. Reading builds empathy. Books can be mirrors, windows, or sliding doors.
We asked teachers to select for their Read Alouds stories where kids can see themselves #mirrors, can glimpse into other’s cultures or perspectives #windows, or connect to a new understanding #slidingdoors. (Rudine Sims Bishops - Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Doors)
The first two rounds were set up as a contest. Teachers would log their read-aloud through a Google Form, and also share it on Social Media with the hashtag #GreatDiverseReads. The teacher with the most points at the end of the nine-week period would receive a reward. The competition was fierce!
The second iteration was geared towards grade levels. So every grade level had to log at least nine books in the grading period (one per week) to qualify, then the grade level with the greatest average would get the reward. More teachers participated in this round.
Our third and last try this year was in a Bingo format. Teachers would have to log their reading in a Padlet. One book could count for more than one category.
The results were positive, an estimate of 700 diverse titles were read during the school year across campus. The focus was authentic voices, people of color, strong women characters, and STEM-related books. The goal for next year is to continue to build up upon this foundation, incorporate more teachers and gear it towards students.
