<p/><br></br><p><b> Book Synopsis </b></p></br></br><p>Are you trying to build an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom? The numerous cross-curricular diversity activities, multicultural lesson plans, and literacy games in this book will save K-5 teachers and homeschooling parents hundreds of hours. Organized in an easy-to-use fashion, this manual will help educators to engage dual language learners and families, support the academic and social development of ESL students, and promote cultural awareness and understanding. </p><p>Written by a multicultural education expert and founder of www.LanguageLizard.com, this book provides the tools you need for culturally responsive teaching: <p><ul><li>Comprehensive <b>Multicultural Lesson Plans</b> that meet Common Core Standards and include accommodations for ESL students. Themes include: <p>- Cultural Awareness and Diversity</p><p>- Folktales, Fables, Myths, and Legends</p><p>- Holidays/Festivals </p></li><li><b>10 Diversity Activities </b>Using Bilingual Books to Promote Literacy and Language Awareness<b>.</b></li><li><b>10</b> <b>Games</b> from Around the World </li><li><b>Foods and Crafts</b> from Around the World </li><li>Diverse <b>Language Profiles</b></li><li><b>Unique Holidays</b> to Promote Multiculturalism and Literacy</li><li>Community-Building<b> Handouts</b> (Includes "Hello in Different Languages" handout) </li><li><b>Online Resources</b> and Links</li><li><b>Special Bonus Material</b> </li></ul><p>This book gives you the resources you need to embrace diversity in your educational environment.</p><p>"This is an amazing resource! . . . This book will be so useful to so many!" <i>- Caia Schlessinger, President of NJTESOL/NJBE</i></p></p><p/><br></br><p><b> Review Quotes </b></p></br></br><br><p>"An incredible and much-needed resource for educators and home school families. With easy to use lesson plans and activities to teach children about other languages and cultures. For over 15 years Anneke Forzani has been instilling the skills and understanding needed to foster global citizenry in our children. <em><i>Building Bridges </i></em>is a must-have for every home, school, and library. Planting the seeds of courage, grace, and tolerance in our multicultural and diverse world."</p><p>- Valarie Budayr, <em><i>Co-Founder of Multicultural Children's Book Da</i></em>y</p><p></p><p>"<em><i>Building Bridges</i></em> is an excellently structured, comprehensive, and exciting resource, guaranteed to help foster inclusion and a sense of community while simultaneously creating enjoyable learning experiences for children. The lesson plans, in addition to the vast bank of games and activities, are of brilliant use to teachers for literacy development and social studies learning. In addition, the book helps foster meaningful links between school and home life, enabling parents to play an active role in their child's education. At a time when our society is rapidly diversifying, I commend Anneke Forzani's efforts in creating this superb book that enables partners in education to confront and positively deal with these societal changes." </p><p>- Maire Garry, <em><i>Elementary School Teacher</p><p></i></em></p><p><em><i>"Building Bridges </i></em>is a tremendous resource that is practical and contains relevant literacy lessons rooted in best practice. The background information section of the lesson plans provides preservice teachers with essential knowledge and materials important for lesson implementation. Additionally, the procedures are clearly written and easy to follow with strategically placed leveled questions. I particularly like the section on current research supporting the use of dual language books so preservice teachers can truly understand its value and place in the classroom. <em><i>Building Bridges </i></em>is invaluable for any classroom." </p><p>- Lisa Gordon, <em><i>Adjunct Professor, Department of Literacy, West Chester University</p><p></p><p></i></em>"This book is a great resource to have in any classroom! The snapshots of the lessons make it easier for teachers to find what they are looking for, whether they are using this text as a resource or just looking for a lesson. Lessons are well outlined and user friendly. I love that the lessons include hands on activities and games for kids to enjoy while learning about diversity, ethnicity, and culture. This text is a great resource promoting multiculturalism with many selections of games, books, and activities to help immigrant kids to feel more accepted and understood. </p><p>Melissa Manrique, <em><i>English as a Second Language Specialist</i></em></p></p><br>