Are Empathy, Diversity and Inclusion Part of Your Summer Reading Plans?
Reading Time: 2 min
A good book should give readers a chance to see through the eyes of another or allow them to look into a life, place or experience that they otherwise wouldn’t see. As a reader, finding bits and pieces of oneself in a fictional or historical character is truly a gift. Understanding that the human struggle is universal is a clear path to empathy.
Literature is an excellent vehicle for demonstrating empathy and diversity in an impactful way. These ideas are not easy to teach, which is why there’s a need to bring greater understanding and context to the concept of empathy, diversity and inclusion. When a child is forming their first impressions of the world, it's critical that these themes are already introduced to ensure that the foundation takes them in a positive direction.
If a lesson in empathy, diversity and inclusion is on your summer agenda, introducing books that align with a specific message is a great place to start. Most literature, by design, promotes empathy with characters in stories, especially when told through a first-person narrator. But if one lesson is more important to you than others, consider introducing books that specifically showcase that lesson. For instance, if empathy is the idea you are trying to showcase, seek out books that are written with empathy as the core message to be an even more precise teaching tool. Be sure that the book is age appropriate so that the message isn’t lost in language that is too advanced for a younger reader, and vice versa.
However you choose to teach the children in your life about empathy, diversity and inclusion it is important to remember that you, as the adult in their life, must model these lessons in everyday situations. For instance, how you handle new cultural experiences is where they will learn how to react when they are faced with similar situations. It is where they first learn about acceptance and begin to appreciate multicultural themes that are found in the world around them. It will not only build a firm foundation of acceptance for the child, but may also give you an opportunity to learn and grow with your child.
We hope this gives you a few ideas to keep those voracious and reluctant readers going all summer long! And if you’re looking for a new adventure in reading, try Lou Adventures’ A Mystery at the Lakehouse. Our very own interactive learning adventure for kids! Download on iPad and iPhone.
