I Am Different, I Am Great

From the classroom of Caroline Write (SDAWP 2017)

I Am Different, I Am Great tells the story of Mei Mei, a young girl who feels different because she has an accent. The story is based on author Melody Kiang’s own childhood experiences. Kiang, who developed an accent while living in Singapore for six years as a child, was enrolled in English as a Second Language classes and had to attend speech therapy sessions when she returned to Canada.

Like Kiang and her character Mei Mei, many students with accents face unique challenges, including the attitudes of peers and teachers. Teasing or bullying can impact self-esteem and lead to feelings of pressure to speak without an accent in an attempt to fit in. Additionally, teachers may unconsciously associate an accent with academic ability, influencing their expectations and interactions with students.

Educators can support children with accents by seeking to understand the barriers they face. Building inclusive classroom environments that celebrate linguistic diversity and pride in identity can help bridge these challenges.

How do you support your students with accents? What books and resources help you build a welcoming community for all students, including those with accents?

Listen to a powerful interview with an adult who shares the challenges he faced while learning English, including the way he is treated due to his accent HERE.

The reel linked HERE includes ideas for using I Am Different, I Am Great in your classroom along with suggestions for having students conduct their own interviews.