Using LGBTQIA+ affirming materials in your classroom can help foster more equitable learning environments where everyone feels valued and seen.

By using inclusive literacy texts and teaching tools, such as book lists and lesson plans tailored towards the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth, you can go a long way towards promoting acceptance, tolerance, and understanding among your child or student. In addition, affirming materials can also provide valuable information about LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, which can help promote critical thinking skills and lead to a deeper understanding of complex social issues. 
 

Interested in learning how to use LGBTQIA+ affirming materials in your classroom? Our featured guest this week, Ash Bell, is here to help us get started. 
 

Ash (they/them) is a LGBTQIA+ cultural responsiveness trainer, former public school teacher, book aficionado, and parent of 2 kids under 5. They have worked with schools, government agencies, businesses, and parents for over 10 years helping to create LGBTQIA+ affirming spaces, DEI plans, and curriculum that celebrates LGBTQIA+ children and families. When not supporting parents, schools, non-profits, and businesses in their inclusion endeavors, Ash can be found hiking the mountains of Western Massachusetts where they are a recent transplant.

Here are the episode highlights:
 

-The Rainbow Toolbox - What is it and what kind of tools make the most impact?
-How to do a Children's Book Inventory
-How to use LGBTQIA+ affirming materials in your classroom - What does this mean and what does it look like?
-Ash's top book recommendations to read with children and how to start the conversation with your own children or with your students and even your staff!
 

Website: www.therainbowtoolbox.com

Instagram: @therainbowtoolbox

Check out Ash's pronoun practice tips sheet by signing up for their email list: https://mailchi.mp/0b6855ad8b82/pronoun-tips 
 

Bathe the Cat 
Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/3KpMNe9
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3EYBQ1O
 

We Move Together 
Amazon Canadahttps://amzn.to/3vSvq06
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3vomi4k
 

Mr. Watson's Chickens 
Amazon Canadahttps://amzn.to/3kEeNQV
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3vpheNe
 

A Plan for Pops 
Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/3kjTSSX
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3xXskuD
 

When Aidan Became a Brother 
Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/3vOCn2f
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3MA29hA
 

Grandad's Camper 
Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/3KtpT5s
Amazon US https://amzn.to/3rUezcc
 

Love, Violet 
Amazon Canada https://amzn.to/3xYkwIS
Amazon US https://amzn.to/39dgn9E
 

Picture Bookstagang Podcast: "Incidental LGBTQ+ Representation in Picturebooks: A short history and a modern overview." https://picturebookstagang.com/podcast-picture-bookstagang/