LGBTQ Characters and Themes

      I was looking forward to tonight's discussion after the compelling books that we were required to read and hearing what others had to say. One thing that I knew would come up is library collection, and I was hoping to get
some insight into thoughts of others. I have checked out system wide collection policy that states goals and objectives of instructional materials. Some of them are as follows:

  • provide a wide range of materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the individual needs and varied interests, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles and developmental levels of the students served
  • provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards
  • provide a background of information that will enable students to comprehend their role as citizens in society
  • to place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of material of the highest quality in order to ensure a comprehensive collection appropriate for all users
     I also loved the books that I read as my part of the bibliography! I think the LGBTQ books can be the most heartbreaking, and we really need to focus on educating our students and building compassion and understanding.
     I found it interesting that all thought that I should have these books in my collection and that it is of utmost importance. But, when asked if any of the other elementary schools had them in their libraries or classroom libraries, the answer was no. I found it interesting that classmates were eager to advise, but they don't have them either. No one volunteered that information though. This is something that I will continue to work on and plan on having another discussion with my principal after Fall Break. I plan to talk with a board member, our assistant principal, and an assistant superintendent as well. I have good relationships with all of them. I will get back to you as to what I learn and hear. I am thinking of sending a survey to parents in which I have a comfortable relationship and have taught their children. I would like to have their thoughts. This is difficult, and I want to do what is right for my students!

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