Diving into DEI with our Fourth Graders

By: Andrea Grana, Lower School Spanish Teacher 

At our school, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and our fourth graders are taking a step forward with a fantastic initiative – the DEI Book Share! Thanks to the generous donations from the Wong and Makhzoumi families, our library is now stocked with a diverse collection of books curated by Kate Makhzoumi, Jeff Paulson, and Louise Yapp.

I was so excited to encourage our students to read these DEI books that I created a Book Share as part of the curriculum for my Spanish classes. These captivating stories emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, making them valuable resources for broadening perspectives and understanding different concepts from around the world. To ensure active engagement, the fourth grade students maintain a log of the DEI books they read and rate them based on their experience. This reflective process not only helps them articulate their thoughts but also sparks insightful discussions and recommendations to their peers.

Towards the end-of-year, the fourth grade students will pick their top three favorite DEI books and share them with their Pre-K and Kindergarten buddies. By reading to the younger students, our fourth graders are creating a beautiful chain of knowledge, passing on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the next generation.This not only reinforces the lessons learned in the books,  but also builds bridges of communication and understanding between different age groups. In sharing these books, our students are not only becoming more informed individuals but also actively participating in the creation of a more inclusive and empathetic school community. 

Let's celebrate the power of literature in shaping young minds and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion!