Abstract

A quick look into the prevalence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) topics in children's literature and one can easily note the rarity of LGBT presence in elementary classrooms. This topic continually fails to enter the classroom curriculum due to the taboo status it has in society. Some people find it to be inappropriate for the classroom, especially the elementary classroom. However, understanding that the intention is to provide an inclusive environment for LGBT students and/or families is important--not to expose children to explicit sexual discussion, but to establish a community of tolerance and acceptance. The purpose of this thesis is to explore, collect, and synthesize the literature regarding LGBT studies in order to create a handbook for preservice teachers, teachers who are in the university program to become teachers. The handbook will provide inclusion strategies, materials to educate preservice teachers on the topic and how to include it in the classroom (via children's literature or units of study), strategies to broach the topic with parents and administrators, classroom environment ideas, and a complete resource list of books and websites with suggestions on where to use them in instruction. Choosing to share quality literature will be important; however the focus of this thesis will center upon better preparing preservice teachers. For purposes of this study, preservice teachers are defined as students in elementary educator preparation courses at UCF. This target audience is required to take children's literature classes in this preparatory program. Preservice literature classes discuss the relevance and importance of including various genres and types of literature in the classroom.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2011

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Roberts, Sherron Killingsworth

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Education

Degree Program

Education

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Education;Education -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

PDF

Identifier

CFH0003852

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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