Learn how to put children's diverse and storied experiences at the center of the curriculum. Schools are more diverse than ever before, but the texts and materials that typify classroom curricula continue to prioritize so-called mainstream stories and perspectives. These canonical texts often exclude the nuanced identities and rich lived experiences of the very children sitting in today's classrooms. But kids thrive when they see themselves in texts and learn about the world around them by connecting with the experiences of others. Based on the authors' work with elementary school teachers over the last decade, this resource offers strategies for moving away from canonical texts. The authors present a four-part framework for selecting, using, and engaging students with texts that promote children's identity development, literacy engagement and comprehension, and learning across the content areas. The practical text provides guidance for setting learning goals that align with relevant standards and curricular directives, as well as classrooms examples, teaching strategies, and reflective questions.

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