Guidelines
In this activity you will view and analyze a list of suggested guidelines that will help you create your own standards for your classroom. These guidelines were developed by adopting recommendations from various language arts and multicultural educators: Beilke (1986), Harada (1995), Harris (1991), and Pang, Colvin, Tran, and Yang (1992).
Click
on the teacher picture to view the list.
Guidelines for Selecting Multicultural Children's Literature
The guidelines for material selection recommend that multicultural
literature contain:
1. Positive portrayals of characters with authentic and realistic behaviors,
to avoid stereotypes of a particular cultural group and/or gender.
2. Authentic illustrations to enhance the quality of the text, since
illustrations can have a strong impact on children.
3. Pluralistic themes to foster belief in cultural diversity as a national
asset as well as to reflect the changing nature of this country's population.
4. Contemporary as well as historical themes that captures changing
trends in the roles played by minority groups in America.
5. Writing of a high literary quality, which includes strong plots and
well-developed characterizations.
6. Historical accuracy when appropriate.
7. Reflections of the cultural values of the characters.
8. Settings in the United States that help readers build an accurate
conception of the culturally diverse nature of this country and the legacy
of various minority groups.
These guidelines are by no means an exhaustive list. They are meant to provide a starting point from which you can explore the many aspects of multicultural children's literature. In addition, you may wish to consult with colleagues, parents, and the local ethnic community, drawing upon their specialized knowledge and unique perspectives.
Suggested Review Journals- The ALAN Review
- Book Links
- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
- Children's Literature in Education
- Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adults' Books
- Horn Book Magazine
- Interracial Books for Children Bulletin Archive
- Kirkus Review
- The School Library Journal can help you to develop your multicultural literature collection. In addition, human resources—media specialists in local or school libraries, as well as professors in the field of education and library science--can be valuable resources in the collection-building process. Finally, materials from minority children's household, such as photo albums and books written in their inherited language, are also rich resources.
