This half term, during whole class reading, year 3 have enjoyed finding out about Omar and his family. The story explores a number of issues such as bullying and racism. Many of our Muslim children enjoyed helping with the pronunciation and meaning of vocabulary linked to Islam. It was lovely to see how much they enjoyed sharing elements of their religion and we all learnt so much more than we thought we knew.

There are four other books within the series which I’m sure would be a great gift idea for the children.

During English, one of our writing units was based on a story about Idris, a refugee who lived in a refugee camp. This story, so beautifully written and illustrated opened the children’s eyes to the plight of others around the world.

Through stories, we can teach the children so much about the world around them and for children to be able to relate to the character of story. Here, at Langley, we are forever finding ways to ensure we are introducing the children to a range of diverse and inclusive books.

Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.

We need diverse books because we need books in which children can find themselves, see reflections of themselves. But books can also be windows. And so you can look through and see other worlds and see how they match up or don’t match up to your own. But the sliding glass door allows you to enter that world as well.

Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop