Books are Mirrors and Windows

How can we see ourselves and learn about others in the books we read?

To answer this question, my 3rd graders and I went on a multi-day journey about how books can be mirrors and windows. 

Standards:

AASL: Include/Create II.B.1 Interacting with learners who reflect a range of perspectives.


Social Justice Standards: 7. Students will develop language and knowledge to accurately and respectfully describe how people (including themselves) are both similar to and different from each other and others in their identity groups.


Day 1: Books as mirrors

Agenda: How can we see ourselves in the books we read?

mirror and window
I introduced the concept of "mirror" books. 


Book Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
We read and made the "me too" signal when we had mirror moments like, "my best friend moved away too." 


Day 2: Books as windows

Agenda: How can we see others in the books we read?
I introduced the concept of window books.

Book Patchwork Bike
We read and drew "windows" in the air when we had a window moment like, "they have mud for walls and I do not."
 

Day 3: Applying the thinking

Agenda What kind of books have I been reading?
We applied our learning to the books we had read together.



student work sorting books read into mirrors and windows
Next level thinking: Students use Destiny Discover to find examples of mirror and window books they have read.


Day 4: Reflecting


graph showing more students read mirror books
Students shared their reading preferences 



Student work: I like when it's me in a book
Students explained why they made the choice they did.

Student work: I like to learn about other people

My takeaways:


The work we did on these four days gives us a common language for talking about books.  I love that this skill can now be integrated into conversations.  This was a series of lessons I did with a 3rd grade class, but I have modified the books and activities for grades 1-5.

My goal for the year was to incorporate Social Justice Standards in my lessons.  This felt like a solid start to great conversations.

Resources/Templates:

Sorting books into mirrors and windows
My reading preferences

Related post: 

Mirrors and Windows (November 2019)



 



 



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