"I am so pleased that my book NOW ONE FOOT, NOW THE OTHER is featured in the aMaze project."
—Tomie dePaula, author and illustrator
"Sharing these stories will help all kids belong, succeed and pursue their dreams."
—Ann Bancroft, adventurer and educator
"FAM lessons...will enrich your children, your students and yourself."
—Louise Derman-Sparks, Pacific Oaks College, author and early childhood anti-bias educator
" A wonderful way to teach our congregation's children about diversity and the values of love and acceptance."
—Chris Potter, RE Director, Mayflower Church, Minneapolis
"FAM builds trust and helps my students know that their family matters...and it supports reading goals, too."
—Katie Oberle, elementary teacher, suburban Twin Cities
“Though skeptical of the FAM Book Project and its usefulness, I now stand corrected! The Book Project drew out even my most quiet students. I don't know if it was the time of year, the subject matter, the stories, or the parents, but whatever it was worked. My kids listened, remembered, shared information and ideas, and really looked forward to Families All Matter days. It was very rewarding to see my kids respond so positively.”
—A second-grade teacher at Windom School, FAM BP pilot site
Order FAM
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What is the Families All Matter Book Project?
The Families All Matter Book Project (FAM) encourages children to explore diversity issues through reading. It began in Minneapolis in 1996 and has been used in hundreds of elementary school classrooms.
How does it work?
Stories about families are read to students by teachers, parents, or volunteers. Afterwards, students discuss the story, participate in follow-up activities, and write in journals.
What materials are needed?
You will need the Curriculum Guide and the Book Box, both of which can be ordered from aMaze.
Who is it for?
Any organization that works with children is encouraged to get involved. FAM is adaptable to meet the needs of many settings. Teachers, parents, and faith communities commend FAM for its effective work to create communities where all children and families experience safety and belonging.
Anyone who wishes to be a volunteer reader is invited to contact us. We offer Reader Training for those that wish to be readers.
What themes are covered in the Families All Matter Book Project?
Families Are Different
Race/Ethnicity
Divorce/Break-ups/Blending
Gay and Lesbian Family Members
Socioeconomics
Immigration
Adoption
Disability
Aging
Religion
Why does the Families All Matter Book Project focus on family?
We all come from many kinds of households and a variety of home experiences. In many schools, it is common for a majority of students to live with adult caregivers other that their biological parents. Children seek reassurance that regardless of differences in skin color, family configurations, language, etc., they are all valued members of a community.
Our understanding of "family" needs to reflect the reality of today's society. A family is defined as a group of persons who live together to meet basic needs, provide love and affection, and assist each other with social, spiritual, psychological and physical existence.
What happens during the Families All Matter Book Project?
FAM diversity themes are introduced in a developmentally appropriate context with a focus on family. The literature reflects and discusses the diverse family structures prevalent in the United States today. An environment is created where all families can feel a sense of belonging, acceptance and support. Students see themselves in one or more of the stories; they feel visible and empowered when they hear about their own family's experience.
What will children take away from the Families All Matter Book Project?
Children hear the experiences of their peers and their families and begin to learn empathy for others. They talk to each other about differences, interacting about their lives in an environment of respect and openness. They start to understand that biases and prejudices can be hurtful and harmful. They learn to identify and deal with misunderstandings. They make connections between different diversity issues/experiences.
Skills are practiced for dealing with name-calling, teasing, putdowns, and other hate bullying when students perceived as different are targeted.
How can the Families All Matter Book Project improve our communities?
Community is built with a deeper understanding of others' realities and talking about and dealing with many kinds of differences. The overall climate within schools and other organizations is enhanced as these understandings and skills are cultivated.
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