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Case: Problematic Book Collection I got in trouble because of the books I have in my 2nd grade classroom library. I have been an elementary school teacher for 10 years. Recently, I completed my master's degree in education. In the master's program, I learned about the importance of teaching children about different people, different cultures, and different perspectives. Although I am not a big fan of gays and lesbians, I learned to accept them as another group of people in the society that need recognition as anyone else does. So, I decided to include in my classroom library books that included families with two moms or two dads. I have had books with single-parent families, interracial families, families with a mother and a father. So, I thought by including books depicting gay and lesbian families, I was being more inclusive and representing all family types in the society. I believe children should learn that there are families out there that are not like the families they have been seeing and children should learn to respect such families. However, I learned recently that not everyone agrees with me. I have been criticized openly by some of my colleagues. More recently, some parents sent angry letters to me and to the school principal describing their displeasure with my book collection. More specifically, they think I am trying to teach their children to become gays and lesbians. How am I going to handle all these pressures? What would you do? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) I fully support your idea of being open minded towards all types of families, but I do understand it may be a difficult concept for children in 2nd grade. I think that's important to stay true to yourself and so long as your intentions are not malicious and trying to persuade children in different ways. I would keep the books (so long as they are age-appropriate). I think there are many people in this country, regardless of their age, that are uncomfortable with the idea of gays and lesbians. You will have to stay calm while discussing this issue with colleagues and parents. A way to try to show the positive affects of these books would be to state if a child was being made fun of because of their "different" family and the books help all of the students understand. |
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