Beaver Acres’ youngest learners are developing a strong foundation for lifelong success thanks to your generous support. Funds raised using Beaverton’s Choice purchased diverse and age-appropriate books that are read weekly to help kindergarteners explore and develop self-identity.
Creating opportunities for students to understand themselves through artistic activities help create empathy, healthy relationships, and responsible decision-making skills, all key for a bright future.
Following a recent teacher-led reading of All Are Welcome, a New York Times bestselling picture book describing a school filled with diversity and inclusion, students were asked to draw a picture of themselves to help build self-identity and awareness.
Continuing the focus on self-identification, teachers also read Fry Bread and discussed traditional family foods. Mrs. Molony’s Class Book of Favorite Foods showcases students’ pride in their favorite family dishes – although pizza was a popular option for many.
The introduction of diverse texts and their role in creating positive self identity is especially important given 59% of the Beaver Acres’ kindergartners are students of color. These new books provide an important platform for students to see themselves in stories that explore race, ethnicity, gender, family, and economic status and ultimately, create a strong sense of family pride and positive social identity.