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With an always-changing landscape to our country’s peoplehood, creating intentional time to discuss topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the classroom is critical.  

Literature can be a great way to share information, personal stories, and ideas and a springboard for discussing DEI topics in depth. The Georgia Book Awards (and other state awards lists) and the American Library Association awards offer book suggestions that help students better understand the experiences of marginalized and underrepresented groups. The collection at Springmont has been curated to provide selections about all kinds of diversity, including, but not limited to, African American, Asian American, Latinx/Hispanic, Jewish American, Indian American, and Muslim interests as well as LGBTQIA+ and social justice perspectives.

The Georgia Book Awards books are on the main display in the middle of Springmont’s Media Center. Primary and Lower Elementary Teachers circulate them to read aloud throughout the year.  The week before Spring Break, Primary & Lower Elementary students will vote for their favorite picture book. The student’s choice may or may not be a book with a DEI topic, but all students 5 and older will have been exposed to these important themes and the discussions that follow. If you are interested in continuing the discussion at home, please email me (lwachter@springmont.com) and let me know what topic you are looking for.  I am happy to send home a couple of picture books with your Primary child. You can also find the books on the Georgia Book Award website.  

For Upper Elementary students, the Georgia Book Award chapter books are available for check out. The DEI issues in these selections are more complex, and some of these books need to be followed by adult-guided discussions.  An optional Book Club, led by me, is held about once a month to highlight a particular title and is very well attended - possibly because a tasty treat related to the book is always served! These discussions can be a very effective way for students to understand differing perspectives and develop a sense of empathy and compassion.   

In addition to the Georgia Book Award selections, we take every opportunity to spotlight books in the Media Center.  Currently, Black History Month and Olympics books are plentiful and on display.  Springmont is fortunate to have literary resources that help students establish healthy perspectives and develop their communication skills.