Date Approved

6-24-2022

Embargo Period

6-27-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Reading Education

Department

Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Valerie Lee, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Marjorie Madden, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Susan Browne, Ph.D.

Subject(s)

Multicultural education; Children's literature

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | Elementary Education | Language and Literacy Education

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the effects of multicultural literature in a second grade classroom and how it impacts students' perceptions of other cultures, beliefs and values while showing empathy and acceptance of other cultures. Throughout the study, students read and connected to a variety of multicultural literature. They participated in activities while expressing their own experiences, thoughts and feelings while connecting with the texts. The assessment tools used throughout this study were questionnaires, surveys, observations, interviews, class discussions and student notebooks. Through discussion and analysis of the texts, students were able to make connections while emphasizing with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Many recurring themes emerged from the lessons, including critical discussions, showing empathy for diverse cultures, clinging to the known and using their prior knowledge in order to make connections. The study raised implications for implementing classroom practices that enable students to connect and emphasize with diverse cultures. The findings also call for more time and exposure to multicultural literature would help build students' knowledge, understanding and awareness of other cultures.

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