GC 695: Creating a Culturally Responsive Elementary Classroom through Children's Literature

Instructor: Jennifer Tarpey

Format: This is an online course and all coursework is completed asynchronously. There are no zoom sessions. No work is due over February break.

Course Description: Books are powerful. Books can serve as windows, doors, and bridges. A story that is a mirror reflects your own culture and helps to build our self-identity. A story that is a window allows you to view someone else’s experience or culture. A story that is a bridge allows readers to think deeply, speak up for change, and take action in the community. As teachers, it is our responsibility to have a solid understanding of each of our students, their culture, and their values. Through the exploration of diverse children and adolescent literature we will explore how quality literature can be used to explore numerous topics that can be adapted to your own classroom. At the conclusion of this course, you will have a suggested resource list and instructional frameworks that are ready to implement with your students. This course is aligned to the Massachusetts State Frameworks.

Anticipated Textbook Fees: This course requires a textbook, which can be ordered here and typically costs $30. This fee is not included in the course price. Please purchase the textbook prior to the course start date.

Downloadable Course Description

Creating a Culturally Responsive Elementary Classroom through Children's Literature - IGC 695