It's Teacher Appreciation Week and I wanted to take some time to share some ways to use Tuma's Books titles in the classroom.
Starting of with our youngest readers, here are some picture books I think would be powerful to read with students.
To teach students about diversity in physical looks and that we are all beautiful despite our differences, we need stories that celebrate some of the features our students might possess.
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In Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, a young girl learns to love the shape of her eyes. In Mixed Me! by Taye Diggs, a biracial boy learns to understand that his difference are part of who he is. Finally, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o teaches children to love the skin they're in no matter what shade it is.
Another important aspect of picture books is that they can be the perfect vehicle for tackling difficult, real-life issues with children in age appropriate ways.
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Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You, adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul is a great illustrated book for teaching young folks about American racism and how to be antiracist. It will open their eyes to how different groups have been and are treated in America, while equipping them with tools for how to speak up against injustice they see in their own world.
Through beautiful art and lyrical text, Bright Star by Yuyi Morales gives students insight into the harrowing journey of migrating across the Mexican/US border. It provides humanity and empathy for the struggles of children in particular at the border in a digestible way.
Lastly, many children struggle with anxiety especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nadiya Hussain's book, My Monster and Me explains anxiety in a way young people can handle and shows them ways to handle it in a healthy way.
Do you have any of these titles in your classroom? Which titles would you add?
Best, Tuma
P.S. Save 25% off any of these titles until May 6th for Educators. Use code: EducatorsRock.
