Critical Literacy & Diversity

Let's take a closer look at the books we choose. What power do books hold? Through this workshop educators will discuss topics of social justice and diversity, considering how all children can feel represented. We will focus on understanding the importance of representation in children's day to day lives and on the power books can hold. This involves looking at how books can uphold ideas of colonization, gender stereotypes, one type of family and white-centric voices. We will look at how the literacy we use can work towards anti-racist & anti-bias practice, as well as create a welcoming environment where all children are able to feel represented. Not limited to cultures, but also consideration of children with exceptionalities, various family structures, LGBTQ2S+, and looking outside of the gender binary & stereotypes. Focusing on the critical literacy theory, educators will have a chance to discover new authors and books that will help to diversify their bookshelves and develop skills that allow them to critically assess and choose books within their child care.

Ashleigh Davies is an early childhood educator who has worked with children in a variety of roles for the last ten years. She has worked as an ECE post-basic college instructor and currently works with North Shore Community Resources and CCRR as a CAPC coordinator. She is passionate about the topic of inclusion and social justice within ECCE settings, running several workshops on the topic within BC including Children heart of the Matter conference, ECEBC conference, and Interior Early Years conference.