Carol Opie
Abstract
This manuscript examines the urgent need for antiracist, culturally relevant interactive read-alouds in elementary classrooms, particularly given the growing demographic divide between the largely White teaching force and increasingly diverse student populations. Through analysis of existing research and instructive classroom examples, the article demonstrates how thoughtfully selected texts—used as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors—can affirm students’ lived experiences, expand their understanding of others, and open space for critical classroom conversations about power and equity. Drawing on scholarship in culturally relevant pedagogy, antiracist education, and literacy studies, the manuscript outlines promising practices that teachers can implement across three phases of instructional practice: lesson preparation, instruction, and reflection. These practices include intentionally selecting culturally relevant texts, centering students’ voices, animating the voices of underrepresented students and their contributions, scaffolding background knowledge, and addressing issues of race, gender, and social justice through discussion. Although empirical research on antiracist, culturally relevant read-alouds remains limited, this article synthesizes the available literature to offer actionable strategies teachers can use now. Ultimately, this work argues that read-aloud routines—long a staple in elementary classrooms—hold powerful potential to disrupt inequities, nurture students’ critical consciousness, and cultivate joyful, inclusive, academically rigorous learning environments. Our students can’t wait, and neither can we.
Recommended Citation
Opie, C. (2026). We can’t wait – antiracist, culturally relevant read-alouds. Midwest Journal of Education, 3(2), 125-135. https://doi.org/10.69670/mje.3.2.11
DOI
Corresponding Author
Carol Opie, Ph.D. Candidate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education
Language and Literacy Education Specialization
College of Education, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Email: [email protected]