Turkish Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Children's Picture Books Reflecting LGBT-Related Issues

ABSTRACT

This research study focuses on Turkish preservice teachers’ perceptions of children's picture books containing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues to lend support to encouraging diversity in teacher education programs and elementary school classrooms. The authors proposed that reading, listening, and responding to diverse children's picture books within reader response theories and critical literacy have the potential to help preservice teachers develop a deeper understanding of themselves and of others. In the written responses, the authors examined teacher education students’ responses to 2 children's picture books: And Tango Makes Three and Molly's Family.

Keywords:

• diversity
• picture books
• sexual orientation
• teacher education

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to thank the anonymous referees for their helpful and very valuable comments.