Research has shown that allowing kids to break the education cycle during the summer months can actually set them back in their learning. Instead, experts are suggesting that children be encouraged to continue learning and experiencing. Here are a handful of books written about life’s diversity, written for elementary school students and dealing with everything from racism to being differently abled.
1. Rain Reign By Ann M. Martin
o Rose likes order and
routine. And homonyms. Because people don’t understand Rose, she doesn’t have
many friends, only Rain, her dog. This is the story of a girl having to
overcome her own fears in order to help something she loves, told from the perspective
of a high-functioning autistic girl.
2. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
o Follow the adventures
of “Maniac” Magee as he learns about the town of Two Mills. The boy encounters
a range of cultural and racial stigma, yet steadfastly holds to his course. The
backdrop is a racially divided town, and Magee is both alone and new in town.
3. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
o CJ and his
grandmother explore cultural and economic differences as they ride the bus home
after church. This books examines some important questions about equality and
looks at the mistake of being judgmental without having all of the information.
4. The Hero Two Doors Down by Sharon Robinson
o An 8-year-old Jewish
boy in Brooklyn befriends Jackie Robinson and encounters the evils of
prejudice. Based in 1948 and laced with historical information about Jackie
Robinson, this book looks at the problem of being judged on the color of your
skin.
5. It’s Okay to Be Different By Todd Parr
o Human diversity is at
the very core of the colorfully presented book. The underlying title theme that
it is okay to be or do things differently gets repeated often and in an
assortment of concepts. The book does not address any of the considerations
which are often used in discussing topics like adoption; rather, it merely
assures the reader that being adopted is okay even if only a few kids are.
Don’t try to limit summertime learning to books, either. If your child enjoys math, then let them do some math problems, and if your son enjoys playing in the dirt, introduce him to geology and archaeology and all of the sciences related to our planet. The important thing is that every day has a healthy dose of physical activity and the opportunity to learn at least one new thing.
Learning doesn't stop when summer begins. The list of recommended books above reflect the Montessori approach used at the Montessori School of Fremont - ensuring that diversity, understanding, and respect are taught at an age appropriate level. Contact us today to schedule a tour.
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