Parental Guide

Watoto

GUIDELINES FOR CORRECT AFRICAN AMERICAN PARENTING SKILLS


TOPIC:
On Selecting African Heritage Children's Literature


STATEMENT:
"Afrikan-based content and materials should be utlized whenever and wherever possible. An Afrocentric cultural presence should be maintained in the learning center by means of art, pictures, books, games, dances, music, oral recitations, video shows, celebrations, rituals, dress and other activities. Caretakers and instructors should demonstrate a love and enthusiam for things Afrikan and should model socially appropriate Afrocentric interpersonal relations for their preschool population."

Amos N. Wilson, Awakening the Natural Genius of Black Children (1991), pp. 112-113.


  1. Is the book culturally adequate by an African heritage author?

  2. Is the book illustrated by an African heritage illustrator?

  3. Is the book published by an African heritage book publisher?

  4. Is the book bound in durable binding (a) library, (b) hardbound, (c) high quality paperback (or board books for infants and toddlers)?

  5. Are the pictures and illustrations culturally relevant, reflective, or reminiscent of inspirational African heritage images and experiences for children?

  6. Is the print size lettering large enough where it can be ready by the reader from a minimum distance of at least 12 inches?

  7. Is the storyline (content) culturally appropriate with a positive developmental message on the African heritage experience for children?

  8. Is the language usage linguistically appropriate for the reader and understandable (age appropriate) for the children?

  9. If the pictures for illustrations are in color, are they of a high clearly defined quality and are they culturally and aesthetically appealing and appropriate?

  10. Does the book(s) reflect the needs and preferred values of the child(ren) and are they culturally and ethnically appropriate?

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