Curriculum Resources

Books
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Secondary School

 

Suggestions for Children’s Books that Include
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Families

If you are nervous about reading a story, think about
the questions children are likely to ask. You can practice
answering them and review your answers with an early
childhood colleague.

If the books are new to your center, it is important to
be prepared for different responses from families and the
community. Starting with a book that surveys all different
kinds of families might be easier than starting with a book
that focuses only on LGBT families. Children usually do not
need much of an introduction or explanation; issues arise
when adults challenge your choice to read a specific book.
Listen to peoples’ concerns and create a space for dialogue,
but be clear about your own commitment, and the commitment
of the program, to diversity and to respect for all
families.

The NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct (NAEYC 2005) provides
a foundation early childhood educators can rely on
when explaining the reason for reflecting diverse families
throughout the curriculum.
Reading children’s books that are inclusive of LGBT
families is an essential strategy both for supporting the self-esteem
of children from these families and for teaching all
children about the diversity of families. Building the skills
and readiness to include these books in your curriculum
is a process. Here are some suggestions for responding to
common questions and concerns.

If a child asks, “Why doesn’t Tyrone have a mommy?” or
“Why does Tyrone have two daddies?” a simple response
might be, “Isn’t Tyrone lucky? He has two daddies who love
him.” When we focus on the love and care from whoever
is in the child’s family, we are focusing on what is most
important. We can move from there to explore, in a fun and
positive way, the many ways in which families are the same
and different.

If children ask questions you don’t know how to answer,
you can say you are not sure, but you will find out and 
get back to them. Be sure to follow up with an answer 
that is age appropriate.

 Other Resources

Scholarly Resources and Web Resources
Lesson Plan Ideas
Quizzes and Surveys 
Tips:What You Should Know
Anti-Bullying Pledges

4 comments:

  1. Stephanie KeibelMay 26, 2012 at 3:33 PM

    Thank you for the list of books you have put for resources. They look interesting to read, I am putting some on my list to read when I'm not focused on textbooks! I also like the list of books to read to elementary aged students. It would be great to incorporate those books into the classroom. Teaching students about bullying early would help decrease it later on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stephanie G.May 26, 2012 at 3:47 PM

    I am happy to hear you found these resources helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AmyAlphinMay 29, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    Thanks Stephanie K. We worked hard to compile a list of books that would be useful for teachers and educators!

    ReplyDelete
  4. BrendaFebruary 12, 2014 at 12:58 PM

    I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I noticed you have numerous articles addressing teen, family, and parenting. We have a website, www.FamilyFirstAid.org, which I believe would be a great resource for your website visitors. Please check it out and consider adding us as a resource.



    Thanks,

    Brenda Whynot
    FamilyFirstAid.org

    ReplyDelete

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