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Toby
What a Wonderful WorldMany Eyes, Many Voices
Talking About Difference Through Children's Literature

Funding provided by a grant from Verizon and The Hudson Foundation

Training Schedule  |  Core Books

What is Many Eyes, Many Voices?
Many Eyes, Many Voices is a statewide, six-hour training program that offers high-quality children's picture books, accompanied by a curriculum guide, designed to stimulate meaningful conversations about differences. Participants read and discuss the books, and take part in related exercises and activities in preparation for using the materials with young children.

What is the goal of this project?
Young children are aware of difference - of skin color, body shape, gender, language, family structure, living arrangements - from a very early age. The goal of this project is to encourage Maine's early care providers, teachers, and parents to engage in dialogue with young children about the differences they perceive. Thoughtful conversation around these particular books can build children's capacity for empathy, respect, and compassion, can strengthen their sense of self-worth, and can provide them with strategies for resolving conflicts that may arise from differences.

Who is the training for?
The training is appropriate for preschool teachers, child care providers, literacy specialists, parents and others who have frequent contact with young children aged five and under.

Who developed Many Eyes, Many Voices?
Maine Humanities Council staff and consultants selected the books and wrote the curriculum guide. The books and activities were reviewed by an advisory committee of respected educators, child care providers, children's writers, booksellers and librarians.

Article about Many Eyes, Many Voices from Maine Roads to Quality newsletter [pdf file]

Many Eyes, Many Voices Core Books


Born to Read
Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102

Phone: (207) 773-5051
Fax: (207) 773-2416
  The Maine Humanities Council
Home of the Harriet P. Henry Center for the Book

For additional information about the Council and its programs,
please write, call or e-mail us:
674 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME 04102

Toll Free Number: 1-866-MEreader or 1-866-637-3233
Phone: (207) 773-5051        Fax: (207) 773-2416
e-mail: info@mainehumanities.org


© Maine Humanities Council, 2002-2007

Please contact Donna Jones at West End Webs for questions or problems with the web site.