Last year I began my annual round-up of favorite picture books of the year with one book for each month, and needless to say, choosing only 12 books was an agonizing feat. So this year, since 2021 decided to throw us some curve balls and seemingly break all the rules...I decided to reward myself (and … Continue reading Literally Cultured’s Best Picture Books of 2021
Category: Educator Resources
Kwanzaa: Books for Learning, Celebrating, and Growing Together
Kwanzaa's seven day celebration highlights the importance of culture, family, community, resilience, pride, and hope. Although our family has only been formally celebrating for a few years, these lessons are ones that should be carried throughout the entire year. Here we are celebrating by lighting a candle in the kinara and reading from the book … Continue reading Kwanzaa: Books for Learning, Celebrating, and Growing Together
Celebrate the Winter Season in an Epic! Way
When we were forced to go virtual during the onslaught of Covid-19 in March of 2020, as a 4th grade reading teacher I was frantic to find a virtual way to bring quality, diverse books to my students. Since then, Epic! has been my go-to for finding diverse and ACCESSIBLE books. Epic! is always free … Continue reading Celebrate the Winter Season in an Epic! Way
Read with PRIDE on Epic!
Although PRIDE Month is celebrated in the month of June each year, these inclusive texts promote self-affirmation, dignity, and equality that are perfect to read all year long! The increased visibility and representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and their experiences, in children's books is essential when working against prejudice, but also fosters acceptance. … Continue reading Read with PRIDE on Epic!
A Book List for Our Youngest Citizens: Future Voters & Change-makers
As we anxiously await Election Day 2020 there is no better time to begin addressing questions such as these with our "future voters": What does it mean to be a good citizen? What does it mean to be American? and most importantly...What really makes America great? This curated list of texts cover a variety of … Continue reading A Book List for Our Youngest Citizens: Future Voters & Change-makers
35 Diverse & Inclusive Books for ‘Back to School’
Hello Literally Cultured Readers! Wow! I can't believe a new school year is upon us, and whether a teacher, parent, or a caregiver -- will be one that will surely be different than we have ever experienced before. I myself am gearing up for returning to school as full-time online teacher. Among the myriad of … Continue reading 35 Diverse & Inclusive Books for ‘Back to School’
20 Children’s Books Celebrating Blackness
As a mother of three biracial boys, it has always been of the utmost importance to have a wide selection of books that not only represent themselves and the people they love and know in a positive light, but to also celebrate all of the beautiful and wonderful things about their Black identity. While it … Continue reading 20 Children’s Books Celebrating Blackness
30+ Asian American & Pacific Islander Picture Books to read online with Epic!
The month of May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than the stories and illustrations from beautiful picture books! While many of us are still social distancing and participating in distance learning, the website Epic! is a FREE RESOURCE for educators! If you haven't heard of Epic!, … Continue reading 30+ Asian American & Pacific Islander Picture Books to read online with Epic!
Stay Connected During Covid-19 with Diverse Picture Book Read Alouds
As teachers (or even parents) we know that children thrive with structure and routine. Establishing expectations allows for a sense of familiarity and comfort, no matter what the setting may be. Many non-teachers may be finding this out now as we hunker down with our families to practice social distancing for a few weeks...I don't … Continue reading Stay Connected During Covid-19 with Diverse Picture Book Read Alouds
UNITED Vol 1, Issue 6 – March 2020
Each month I collect resources to support K-12 educators around topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Literally Cultured's mission states: (as teachers) we should actively seek to cultivate your understanding and knowledge of diverse perspectives and people through the vessel of written words...and with this publication we can become one step closer. https://videopress.com/v/tDrVWGdH?preloadContent=metadata UNITED … Continue reading UNITED Vol 1, Issue 6 – March 2020
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