Morning with Readers and Storytellers: Embracing Differences, Creating Unity

In a world where diversity shapes everyday experiences, future educators are learning that stories remain one of the most powerful tools for building empathy, inclusion, and understanding. This belief came to life during “Morning with Readers and Storytellers: Embracing Differences, Creating Unity,” a meaningful literacy initiative led by the College of Education students of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Antipolo campus.

Under their (CHIDOLIT) Children and Adolescent Literature course, the pre-service teachers were tasked to create original children’s stories anchored on the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The result was a collection of four thoughtfully crafted storybooks titled The Silver Spoon, A Big Box of Crayons, Shine, the Shining Star, and Do What is Right. Each narrative explored themes of uniqueness, fairness, courage, and moral responsibility—concepts made accessible and engaging for young readers.

Stories that Teach More Than Words

The stories were formally launched through a storytelling session attended by 20 nursery students from La Salle Antipolo. As the Education students animatedly read their works, the young listeners including their parents and teachers responded with curiosity, laughter, and thoughtful silence—clear signs of engagement and connection.

• The Silver Spoon by Jasmine Ramos highlighted how being different does not mean being less.

• A Big Box of Crayons by Stephen Bautista celebrated color, individuality, and collaboration.

• Shine, the Shining Star Nicole Beatrice Gianan encouraged children to recognize their inner light.

• Do What is Right by Georgina Marin  emphasized integrity and choosing kindness even when it is difficult.

  
  

Through vibrant illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, the books transformed DEI from abstract concepts into lived values children could understand and practice.

Literacy with Purpose

The event extended beyond storytelling. After the session, the nursery students received souvenir kits generously provided by the Rotary Club of Cainta Satellite Impact International. Each child was given five Books of Why’s along with other drawing learning materials and goodies—reinforcing the idea that literacy opens doors to curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.

The morning concluded with a powerful moment of collective affirmation. With bright voices and confident smiles, the children recited:

“ I will tell kind stories.I will include everyone.I will use my words to spread love.”

Shaping Future Educators, Shaping Future Citizens

This initiative demonstrates how teacher education programs can meaningfully integrate social responsibility into academic coursework. By creating culturally responsive and value-driven literature, the Education students did not merely complete a requirement—they modeled how educators can become advocates for inclusion and equity from the earliest years of learning.

“Morning with Readers and Storytellers” reminds us that literacy is not only about decoding words or just stories about animals, princesses, or adventures—it is about shaping hearts, forming perspectives, and nurturing communities where differences are embraced and unity is cultivated.We celebrate the beautiful power of stories. 

In classrooms, in communities, and in the quiet moments of shared stories, change begins—one page at a time.

Written by: PP Ophelia R. Bello, District DEI Chair, Rotary Club of Cainta