Many Eyes, Many Voices
Talking About Difference Through Children's Literature
Funding provided by a grant from Verizon and The Hudson Foundation
Core
Books | Resources
What is Many Eyes, Many Voices?
Many Eyes, Many Voices is a statewide, six-hour training
program that offers high-quality children's picture books, accompanied
by a curriculum guide, designed to stimulate meaningful conversations
about differences. Participants read and discuss the books, and
take part in related exercises and activities in preparation for
using the materials with young children.
What is the goal of this project?
Young children are aware of difference - of skin color, body shape,
gender, language, family structure, living arrangements - from a
very early age. The goal of this project is to encourage Maine's
early care providers, teachers, and parents to engage in dialogue
with young children about the differences they perceive. Thoughtful
conversation around these particular books can build children's
capacity for empathy, respect, and compassion, can strengthen their
sense of self-worth, and can provide them with strategies for resolving
conflicts that may arise from differences.
Who is the training for?
The training is appropriate for preschool teachers, child care providers,
literacy specialists, parents and others who have frequent contact
with young children aged five and under.
Who developed Many Eyes, Many
Voices?
Maine Humanities Council staff and consultants selected the books
and wrote the curriculum guide. The books and activities were reviewed
by an advisory committee of respected educators, child care providers,
children's writers, booksellers and librarians.
Article about Many
Eyes, Many Voices from Maine Roads to Quality newsletter [pdf file]
Born to Read
Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102
Phone: (207) 773-5051
Fax: (207) 773-2416
|
