DR. MARY JANE EISENHAUEREDCI 276

Analyzing Children’s Books for Sexism & Racism

Check the Illustrations

Stereotypes?

Tokenism?

Who’s doing what?

Check the Story Line

Standard for success

Resolution of problems

Role of women

Look at the Lifestyles

Relationships Between Characters

Note the Heroes

Effects on Child’s Self-Image

Author or Illustrator’s Background

What qualifies the author or illustrator to deal with the subject?

Author’s Perspective

Loaded Words

Copyright Date

Small Groups: Searching for Examples

Assign Roles: Stereotyper; Checklist Keeper; Recorder/Timekeeper; Reader/Discussion Leader

1. Share the list of stereotypes. Can you think of examples of any of these?

2. Select several books to examine for –isms. You are looking for positive portrayals but also for stereotypes. Read aloud.

3. Review the checklist – 10 Quick Ways. 4. Choose some examples to share with the class.

Explain why you think these are positive or negative.