Curious about integrating Asian American picture and chapter books into your K-8 classroom, but don’t know where to start? 

Just 12% of children’s books published in the U.S. in 2023 featured an Asian American main character. When students do not see themselves in the stories they read, it can be hard for them to feel understood, valued, and empowered. For students of all backgrounds, including diverse voices in the classroom helps build an open community, where students can relate to one another, share their perspectives, and learn together.

Join MOCA and Make Us Visible (NY Chapter) for a virtual half-day dedicated to strengthening literacy instruction in your Social Studies, English Language Arts, and Humanities classrooms in culturally affirming ways. Throughout the day, educators will:

• Analyze a range of fiction and non-fiction texts that give voice to the manifold experiences of Chinese Americans, as well as old classics that fall short.
• Explore how to choose books which reflect students’ identities and lived experiences, support students’ social-emotional learning, and meet curricular goals.
• Reflect on the balance of voices in their own classrooms.

*This workshop’s title references Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s scholarship. Dr. Bishop famously wrote: “Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror.” 

Click here to RSVP! Participants who attend the full day will receive 3.5  CTLE hours. FREE, but registration is required! This program will take place on Zoom. Recommended for educators of students in grades K-8. 

Click to RSVP!

Featured Presenter: Make Us Visible

Founded in January 2021 by two parents, a student, and a teacher, Make Us Visible seeks to empower local communities to become more civically engaged and politically active through advocacy ensuring the inclusion of Asian American history in K-12 curriculums. They see this work as a long-term preventative measure against future anti-Asian American bullying and violence. As a 100% volunteer-driven coalition, they have successfully contributed to establishing 6 laws across 4 states over the last two years, with 24 active state chapters. They have been covered by outlets including NBC Asian America, Axios, CNN, Vox, USA Today, and The Washington Post.

This event is co-sponsored by Make Us Visible NY.