Penn State Abington students majoring in elementary and early childhood education led a series of workshops at the Abington Township library that provided evidence-based support for parents on selecting diverse literature for their children.

The presentations were part of a course that examined the development of language and self-expression in young children and the role of children’s literature.  

Müge Olğun-Baytaş, assistant professor of education, explained that to prepare for the presentations, four of her students met with the Carolyn DuBois, the township library’s head children’s librarian, to learn about the process behind selecting books. 

“In the course and with the librarians, we talked about social justice in children’s books and play and how we can use books and play to help children understand these issues. We are providing information that can help parents talk through books to their children about race, disability, immigrants, inclusion and other social justice experiences,” she said. 

“The workshops also helped our pre-service teachers practice talking to parents and build connections with the local community,” Olğun-Baytaş said of the workshops, which fulfill Penn State’s land-grant mission of supporting individuals and communities through service and education. 

Prior to the public workshops, the Abington Township library children’s staff spoke to elementary and early childhood education majors from Penn State Abington about how they select books that incorporate diversity for younger children.

The last evening focused on books about immigrants and families in children’s literature. The students suggested specific titles to parents after explaining terms such as undocumented, refugee, and immigrant, and working through activities to build connections among the group. They also showed a brief video about the lengthy process of becoming a U.S. citizen. 

The parents and children went home with tote bags filled with several hardback books that were paid for by a Penn State Abington Chancellor’s Grant, which also funded the supplies for the workshop. 

Read more about the education majors on Penn State Abington’s website.

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