First Post

Hello!

My name is Carrie O'Brien. I am currently a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Child Development with a specialization in Language Arts. This semester I am taking the class TE 448 which is a class focused on Issues of Diversity in Children's Literature. My sophomore year I took the pre-requisite class TE 348, which also focused on diverse children's literature. I have always loved literature...even when I was younger. I try to expose myself to diverse literature in my everyday leisure reading. However, when I was younger I don't recall a genuine collection of diverse books in my classrooms. I remember doing "token" books such as "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor. In fact, I found that book so intriguing that I read almost all of her other stories about the Logan family. Other than that, however, I remember few books that dealt with diversty... until reaching middle school.

I had an excellent professor for TE 348 and she would come to class with suitcases full of her books. It blew my mind that she had such an extensive collection and also that one could have such a well stocked library. My favorite assignment in that class was making our own library. I will bring all of those books with me to my future classroom and am glad that my library started out on such a good note.

As far as questions go, I can't think of too many. I'm very excited about all of the books we are reading. My main concern is that the ideal age that I want to work with (k-2) may not understand all of the concepts presented in many of these diverse books. I know that all children are different and that one should never underestimate them... but I would like to be exposed to more picture books that tackle diversity rather than all chapter books. I know that I can read the chapter books aloud but I think the children might have a more meaningful experience if they can look at the books themselves.

I think that is all for now... ciao!