Benefits of MULTICULTURAL Literature
Multicultural literature is a piece of literature where the main character and story revolves around a person who is of one of the major minority groups such as African American, Latino, Native American, Asian Americans, and also women, handicapped individuals, and individuals with different sexual preferences. Today, its use in the classroom has been suggested and praised. There many forms of this type of literature available for use in the classroom today. Involving multicultural literature in the classroom is important not only to the overall culture of the classroom, but to the individual student. The main goals of multicultural literature are to increase sense of self-worth in students, achievement of educational equity, cultural pluralism, a sense of empowerment, the ability to work in harmony with other students, and teaching from a multicultural perspective. In using this particular type of literature in the classroom there are many benefits that can be taken from it.
One of the most prevalent benefits is that it will change the overall culture in the classroom. “Multicultural literature also creates a community within the classroom because students learn not only the differences tolerated, they are also embraced. This will help to cut down on the bullying and teaching that takes place in the classroom. Students will be better able to work harmoniously in groups” (Boles, 2006). In reading multicultural literature students can and will become more unified. This unification process happens through students reading books about different races and sub cultures. This will allow students to learn empathy and relate to their peers. Being empathetic allows students to open up and begin to trust each other. This in turn will allow students to learn about themselves and their own background and culture.
A second benefit of multicultural literature is that it creates self-worth within students and allows them to connect with themselves and their culture on a deeper level. DeLeon makes a great point in stating, “Multicultural literature impacts students more than just allowing them to see the equalization of the races; it also helps students of diverse backgrounds shape cultural identity” (DeLeon, 2002). They then no longer feel underrepresented, have someone to relate to, and can connect with their own culture. This will give students confidence within themselves, about their culture, and in their overall identity. Building confidence will automatically increase grades and student’s willingness to learn and cooperate within groups that include varied cultural groups represented.
A third benefit in multicultural literature is that it helps students to shape values and the way they think about situation. In reading the literature, students can be exposed to multicultural issues through texts they are not often exposed to such as racism and prejudice. Throughout reading this type of information, students become aware of these things and will be more apt to figure out a way to eliminate and solve these problems. Students can also be exposed to cultures that they are not exposed to on an everyday basis and this will allow them to appreciate life experiences and expand their thinking of the world around us.
It is very important to include multicultural literature in the language arts curriculum. Through reading and writing this type of material students gain a deeper appreciation of who they are and who the people are around them. They are able to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and self- worth. All are important to teach to children at a young age. And through multicultural literature they can all be achieved through one quick read.
Boles, M. (2006). The Effects of Multicultural Literature in the Classroom. Digital Commons @ EMU, Paper 62. Retrieved April 16, 2013, from http://commons.emich.edu
DeLeon, L. (2002). Multicultural Literature: Reading to Develop Self-Worth. Multicultural Education, 10(2), 49-51.
One of the most prevalent benefits is that it will change the overall culture in the classroom. “Multicultural literature also creates a community within the classroom because students learn not only the differences tolerated, they are also embraced. This will help to cut down on the bullying and teaching that takes place in the classroom. Students will be better able to work harmoniously in groups” (Boles, 2006). In reading multicultural literature students can and will become more unified. This unification process happens through students reading books about different races and sub cultures. This will allow students to learn empathy and relate to their peers. Being empathetic allows students to open up and begin to trust each other. This in turn will allow students to learn about themselves and their own background and culture.
A second benefit of multicultural literature is that it creates self-worth within students and allows them to connect with themselves and their culture on a deeper level. DeLeon makes a great point in stating, “Multicultural literature impacts students more than just allowing them to see the equalization of the races; it also helps students of diverse backgrounds shape cultural identity” (DeLeon, 2002). They then no longer feel underrepresented, have someone to relate to, and can connect with their own culture. This will give students confidence within themselves, about their culture, and in their overall identity. Building confidence will automatically increase grades and student’s willingness to learn and cooperate within groups that include varied cultural groups represented.
A third benefit in multicultural literature is that it helps students to shape values and the way they think about situation. In reading the literature, students can be exposed to multicultural issues through texts they are not often exposed to such as racism and prejudice. Throughout reading this type of information, students become aware of these things and will be more apt to figure out a way to eliminate and solve these problems. Students can also be exposed to cultures that they are not exposed to on an everyday basis and this will allow them to appreciate life experiences and expand their thinking of the world around us.
It is very important to include multicultural literature in the language arts curriculum. Through reading and writing this type of material students gain a deeper appreciation of who they are and who the people are around them. They are able to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and self- worth. All are important to teach to children at a young age. And through multicultural literature they can all be achieved through one quick read.
Boles, M. (2006). The Effects of Multicultural Literature in the Classroom. Digital Commons @ EMU, Paper 62. Retrieved April 16, 2013, from http://commons.emich.edu
DeLeon, L. (2002). Multicultural Literature: Reading to Develop Self-Worth. Multicultural Education, 10(2), 49-51.