Activities To Celebrate A Nation Of Diverse Readers

March 2nd marks Read Across America Day, traditionally celebrated with Dr. Seuss books and activities. However, recent years have seen a shift towards embracing multicultural and diverse literature, providing an opportunity to broaden children’s reading experiences and promote acceptance, kindness, and cultural diversity.

Here are some ideas for schools and libraries to align with this new focus:

Contents

1 Author Studies
2 Community Involvement
3 Culture Fair
4 Reading Theme Days
5 Reading Challenges

Author Studies

Choose diverse authors like Ezra Jack Keats or Jacqueline Woodson. Create displays with biographical information and book covers. Encourage older students to research authors for a deeper understanding.

Activities To Celebrate A Nation Of Diverse Readers — Ezra Jack Keats And Jacqueline Woodson

Community Involvement

Invite staff, parents, and students to share favorite books from their cultures. Display recommendations interactively on walls or maps, creating a sense of global connection.

Culture Fair

Organize a school-wide event where each class represents a different country or culture. Students research and present aspects like geography, customs, and food. Consider involving parents for authentic experiences like food tastings or performances.

Reading Theme Days

Host themed spirit days such as “Reading is an Adventure” or “Read Around the World.” These engaging activities promote enthusiasm for reading beyond Dr. Seuss themes.

Reading Challenges

Encourage reading with logs to record books or minutes read. Offer incentives for participation and create displays to showcase collective progress.

Additionally, consider using resources like a Multicultural and Diversity Reading Activity Pack, which includes reading logs, posters, and lessons on kindness and diversity. These materials provide comprehensive support for embracing diversity in reading celebrations.

By incorporating these activities and resources, schools and libraries can create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote a love of reading among students of all backgrounds.

Related Post