If you’re working towards making your classroom more inclusive and reflective of the wider community, pictures books can be a great tool to showcase diverse families and home life set ups. In addition to using more inclusive language, teachers can use read alouds to help students both see their family and other family make ups. It’s a great way to start conversations about our own home lives and the home lives of others. Here are 12 picture books that showcase diverse families.
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Here are some excellent books that highlight many different types of families such as same sex families, single parent families, adoptive families, foster care families, and more. These are great discussion starters for the various types of caregivers and families children can have.
A Mother for Choco- This heartwarming story about a bird who wants a mother is a great book to share with your class. In this sweet story, Choco, a little bird, goes on a search for a mother who looks just like him. In the end, he finds the perfect caregiver, even though they don’t look like him.
Stella Brings the Family- This touching story about Stella shows how she handles it when the teacher announces a Mother’s Day celebration. The problem is that Stella has two dads. She doesn’t know who to bring. In the end, she learns that family comes in all shapes and sizes.
Why Did You Choose Me?- This is a great book to highlight common questions and concerns adopted children might have. It can also be a great window into things adopted children might think, feel, and experience.
Just Like a Mama- This books is a fantastic tool to discuss the care and love that foster guardians or temporary caregivers provide in a beautiful and sweet story.
In Our Mothers’ House- This lovely book about a family with two moms showcases both the love in the family and how sometimes families with different dynamics have to handle unkindness from others.
Home for a While– This is a great story about being in foster care and trying to feel comfortable, safe, and trust in a new home.
These picture books provide children with relatable and positive representations of various family backgrounds, promoting empathy, understanding, and acceptance of diversity from an early age. They serve as powerful tools for educators and parents to discuss and celebrate the uniqueness of every family.
Keep reading and learning:
- 3 Reasons to Not Use the Word Parent When Talking About Caregivers
- Diverse Chapter Books for 2nd and 3rd Graders
- Picture Books that Encourage Open-Mindedness
- What Is the IB Learner Profile and Why Should You Use it In Your Classroom?
