Along with Gloria Goes to Gay Pride, this is probably the most informative of the books, and also one of the most helpful. This book could not only be read for discussion but to help students understand a classmate's family. It also shows an example of discrimination and how it could be dealt with in the classroom. Or I should say, it gives an example of discrimination in the classroom. I was actually a little upset with how the teacher handled or didn't handle it when Tommy teased Molly about having two mommies. The teacher didn't chastise Tommy for it, she didn't tell him that it was okay to have two mommies, just like its okay to have only a mommy or only a daddy. I fee like I would have turned this into a teachable moment for the whole class. If there wouldn't have been time just then, I would have taken time out to explain to the students that families come in all different shapes and sizes. No one family is right or wrong they are just different, and different is okay. I did like the pictures however. They added to the story by making a visualization of what was going on. I liked how it showed Molly's family and her life with her two mommies so that students could make the connection that it looked like their room, or hey they have puppy. Also, I like how it takes place in a classroom. Another way that it is relatable for children.Ages 4 to 8 sound good, and do I even need to say it? Yes it could get complicated to have a book like this in your classroom, but it will be worth it in the end.
As I was reading your post, I was thinking wow this teacher could have turned that moment of poking fun into a teachable moment. Then sure enough that's what you talked about that it was missing. I read a controversial book about two moms and it was the same sort of plot except the teacher actually did use it as a teachable moment. She had the students all draw pictures about what their families looked like, and it turns out everyones family was different and the kids were very accepting of this activity. The name of the book is "Heather has Two Mommies" By Leslea Newman and Illustrated by Diana Souza incase you wanted to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI think this is becoming a more relavent problem in schools because society has changed so much. I think that the teacher is scared to approach the subject and just doesn't know how to respond or what to say to the student that is bullying Molly. I know this could be complicated in the classroom, but how would you approach that? Would you put this on your reading shelf for children to read, or would you read it aloud to your class? I think families come in all different forms and it is really unfair to discriminate. I definitely agree with you! I think it would be awesome to hear about how you would handle the complicated subject in your classroom, in this specific blog. I think you have some very good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI think that children will definately need to learn more about different kinds of families and this sounds like it would be a good book to include in that discussion. I think it is important to inform parents that this book will be talked about especially if it is being shared with younger children. Some parents might object to their children reading it but I know many parents who would love to have a book like this read in the classroom. In the book it talks about a little girl being made fun of because she has two mommies. Children tend to make fun of situations or people that they do not understand. By educating children about different families and informing them that some kids have two daddies or two mommies will hopefully cut down on the teasing children with same sex parents might experience.
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