Incorporating multicultural literature

Type :

Term papers

Pages :

6 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

05/05/2009

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Literature

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Summary :

Introduction
Review of the literature
Making connections: Diversity in the classroom
Making room for culture in the classroom
Obstacles to bringing culture into the classroom
Materials
Appendix
References

Abstract

"multicultural education is for everyone regardless of ethnicity, race, language, social class, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and other differences" (Neito, 2000, 4).
For many teachers the idea of incorporating multicultural literature into their everyday English curriculum can seem to be a daunting task. In my own experience many teachers are not exposed to the idea of multicultural literature until post-graduate studies. In our increasingly multicultural society and therefore school systems, it is our job as teachers to introduce our students to other cultures different from their own. As Hefflin and Barksdale-Ladd (2001) state "literature is a powerful medium. Through it children construct messages about their culture and roles in society"(810). My own students have asked me repeatedly, "Ms. Pate why do we have to read boring stuff by dead white men" or "Why are the book choices for 9th grade so boring and depressing?" Students are finding it increasingly hard to relate to texts that are considered to be part of our canon. They cannot relate to as they say 'dead white men' when they themselves are from countries all over the world.