Books as Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors
When children are unable to see themselves reflected in their schoolbooks, they fail to develop positive feelings of self-worth. And when they lack occasions to examine similarities and differences between themselves and others, they miss out on valuable opportunities for recognizing the shared humanity that binds all people together. A mirror is a story that reflects your own culture and helps build your identity, a window is a resource that offers you a view into someone else’s experience, and a sliding glass door invites you to enter another’s world. In this session, we will examine the use of all three types of books in our homes as we educate our children while embracing their individuality and honoring others.
Amber O’Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and world-schooling mama who curates a life-giving, culturally rich home education for her four children—and encourages others to do the same. She champions the use of books and lessons that reflect the lived experiences of children and introduce them to lives and cultures beyond their own, offering both “mirrors and windows” through the power of story. Amber is the author of A Place to Belong and Soul School, two books that help families celebrate their heritage, community, and the world around them. She is also the editor of Homegrown, a collaborative project offering guidance and inspiration for navigating the homeschooling journey. Amber shares about weaving multicultural mirrors and windows into a life-giving Charlotte Mason education at HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog.
