People are occasionally surprised to learn that I am an introvert. I have no problem speaking in front of large audiences, but small social groups can be a challenge. Thus, I HATE ice breakers and the like. I know that they can be very helpful for some, but I always struggle and feel awkward. However, the casual say your name and what you teach also seems to fall short.
This summer, I have had the opportunity to speak about literacy topics at several conferences. I found that generally everyone has a favorite picture book from their classroom, their kids or family members. Sharing a favorite book is a great way to start a conversation and a way to introduce yourself. During a presentation, I have participants share one book, but I use a series of books to introduce myself. I have found this to be a fun way for participants to get to know me without sounding like I am sharing my resume. (pictures affiliated linked)
I couldn’t find a picture book with Indian representation until I was an adult. Even this one isn’t quite right as my Dad is Indian not my Mom. But she had saris from my Aunties that I always loved growing up.
This is a new to me book. Again, the culture represented is different, but I had a very similar experience with my grandfather who spoke multiple languages, just not the English I spoke. We didn’t draw to connect but just babbled on to each other in our original language and pretended we understood each other. Love really doesn’t require language.
Years ago, even before I began student teaching, my professor loaded a van with a bunch of English majors and took us to NCTE. I stood in line to meet the authors and illustrators of this book. At the time, I was firmly in my “not a math person” stage, and a book about math anxiety seemed to be one I wanted in my classroom. Fast forward all these years later, and I have dissertation research on interventions for math anxiety in elementary teachers.
Growing up I didn’t even understand my dyslexia, let alone have representation of it in a picture book. I am so glad students have this exploration of how we think differently now.
I love Maine author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen’s books. I use this one to talk about how my family moved from Seattle to Maine when I was a teen.
I use Abuela’s Weave to discuss my time teaching in Guatemala. I love to highlight the amazing textile culture and highlight the work being done there.
Finally, I like to highlight the importance of SEL in the work we do. Everywhere Still looks at grief in a way that young children can understand.
What books would you use to introduce yourself? Let me know in the comments!