I never realized just how much bias is found in children’s books. Every night, my husband and I read three books to each of the boys. As we read, I focus on their reactions and we talk about each book afterward. The conversations with the twins are usually fairly superficial but Jackson, my 6 year old, is extremely tuned into the world. If someone looks different than he thinks they should, he will be the first to speak up and ask why, but as I sit here and reflect on everything you and I see as bias, I can honestly say, he has never caught on. I chalk that up to kindergarten innocence, which I am completely jealous of…how amazing to be that innocent??? I got to thinking, I want to raise humans who question, who stand up against stereotypes and I want students who do the same.
Of course I will make a conscious effort to preview texts before presenting it to both my boys and students, but I wonder if I could almost do a lesson like we did in class to teach citizenship and how to demyth stereotypes. Is that too advanced for 3-5th graders or even too daring for me to attempt? A lot to think about…