Looking to build community in today’s classrooms and libraries? Below are some great ideas that celebrate diverse backgrounds, foster a sense of community, and build appreciation for one another. These ideas were collected from teachers, parents, and authors who participated in the Read Your World Day Virtual Party in January. (Read Your World Day is a global non-profit initiative that is an annual celebration of diverse and inclusive children’s and young adult literature.)
Multicultural Events
Host engaging multicultural events, such as an International Fair or a Cultural Show-and-Tell, inviting students and families to wear traditional clothing, share delicious cultural foods and music, and enjoy read-aloud sessions in their native languages with members of the school community. One participant shared their “Voices of the World” event where students showcased their cultures, languages, and holidays, including a video in which they demonstrated the various ways to say “hello” in their native languages. Another example was a “Linguini Night with Literacy,” where families gathered for a pasta dinner, listened to storytellers, and explored books by local authors.
Create a Family Book Club or Story Night (PJs are a must!) featuring diverse books. For a fun interactive touch, create a “passport” where families can “travel” between different cultures and collect stamps or stickers.
Heritage Month & Holiday Programming
Organize programs tied to heritage months (Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.) or cultural holidays (Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) that pair themed books with art, music, or cultural activities. Display corresponding books on bookshelves throughout the school or library to further engage students. One teacher mentioned that her students looked forward to her bulletin boards, which were decorated to match a particular theme.
Author & Illustrator Visits / Community Visits
Invite diverse authors and illustrators for in-school or virtual visits to engage students in hands-on writing and drawing activities. Beyond professionals, schools can also invite community members to read from diverse books and share why those authors resonate with them.
Discovery Projects
Have students research a country, read books about it, learn to cook, and enjoy its food. “Food is such a multicultural bridge!” said one of the participants. Students can share their learning by creating posters or exhibits to show what they have learned with other students.
Discover bilingual books in over 60 languages, focusing on multicultural and diverse themes, at LanguageLizard.com! Celebrate the strength and vitality of communities bonding through shared activities in Together Is Better, or follow along with Katie, a girl of mixed heritage, as she learns to embrace her different cultures in The Best of All Worlds. Learn about popular international street foods in Street Foods from Around the World, or join Leo as he adjusts to his new home with the help of the dogs he cares for at an animal shelter in Leo’s Dogs. In addition, we offer books about Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid, and so much more.