About the Course
The Gustavus Cohort for 2024 focuses on empowering educators with diverse books and inclusive teaching practices. Participants will engage in collaborative workshops, explore curated book collections, and learn to integrate multicultural literature into their classrooms to inspire students and create inclusive learning spaces.
Cohort Instructors
Drs. Valerie Walker & Lisa Ortmann
Questions? Contact us at vwalker@gustavus.edu or lisaortmann@gustavus.edu
Sessions
Spring 2025 Open Windows Books Schedule:
Tuesday, February 11, 4:00-6:00
Theme: Native American Literature
Wednesday, March 5, 4:00-6:00.
Theme: Art & Music
Tuesday, April 8, 4:00-6:00
Theme: Families & Communities
Tuesday, May 6, 4:00-6:00
Theme: Diversity in the Outdoors
All meetings will be held in room 214, Anderson Hall, Gustavus Adolphus College
Session 1: Native American Literature
Date: February 20, 2024
Resources:
• Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC): Diversity Statistics
• Article: “What is critical race theory, and why is it under attack?” by Sawchuk, S.
• Infographic: “Diversity in Children’s Books 2018” by Huyck, David, and Sarah Park Dahlen
• Scholastic Guide (Include link or upload directly)
Homework Assignments:
• Teach a lesson using one of the books distributed in this session and share your experience.
• Prepare a book talk on one of the books received.
Session 2: Diversity in the Outdoors
Date: March 12, 2024
Resources:
• Book Collections: Grades K-2 and 3-5
• Best Books Featuring Black Children in the Outdoors (Outside Online)
• Minnesota Science Standards Connections for Outdoor Learning
• Valerie’s Environmental & Climate Change Education Padlet (Provide specific link)
Homework Assignments:
• Share a book from the collection with your students and record their responses.
• Reflect on student engagement during book discussions.
Session 3: Arts & Music
Date: April 16, 2024
Resources:
• Book Collections: Grades K-2 and 3-5 with themes of art as resistance and cultural expression.
• Perpich Center for the Arts Resources
• NEA Educator’s Guide for Incorporating Art
Homework Assignments:
• Share a book from the Arts & Music collection in your classroom.
• Reflect on student engagement and insights during book discussions.
Session 4: Intersectionality
Date: May 22, 2024
Resources:
• Book Collections: Intersectionality-focused texts, such as Yo Soy Muslim and My Footprints.
• Teaching with Wordless Picture Books
• Disability in Children’s Literature Resource
• Human Rights Campaign’s “My Many Identities” Activity
Homework Assignments:
• Reflect on personal teaching practices through the lens of intersectionality.
• Plan ways to share cohort insights and strategies with colleagues.