Building Diversity in Read Aloud Choices

Do you know what materials are being used in your school’s classrooms for read aloud and instructional activities? Do these choices reflect diversity and inclusion? In support of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) strategic plan, UNC Greensboro Library & Information Science faculty and WS/FCS Library Media Services partnered to conduct an action research study. This study collected data from elementary teachers in forty-three schools about books selected and used for read-alouds in elementary classrooms during the fall 2021 semester. We will share how data was gathered and the findings of the exploratory study. We will also discuss how the information collected is being used to promote diversification of collections and as an advocacy tool to promote the use of diverse content with classroom teachers. In addition to learning about this study and its practical applications for increasing diversity in classroom read alouds, participants will also learn about developing partnerships with university researchers and libraries. Session members will brainstorm ideas for their own action research projects and explore overcoming barriers to partnerships with university faculty and libraries.