Why+are+all+the+Taxi+Drivers...?

Punam Dhaliwal 7 June 2011

 Christopher D’Souza’s picture book, //Why are all the Taxi Drivers...?// is a valuable resource for an ESL or ELD class, as it discusses topics of anti-discrimination and inclusiveness using language and visuals suitable for ELLs. Picture books are an accessible resource for all grade levels and language abilities, as they present a visual impression which enhances the meaning of the text. Students, regardless of whether they are ELLs, are eager to explore topics concerned with social justice, equity and inclusivity because everyone has a story to share about their own encounter with discrimination. This book is a practical and accessible resource as it can be used in any classroom, even without access to technology.  Antidiscrimination education is embedded in school life, and as educators we have a duty to promote equity and active citizenship. The curriculum documents for //English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development// explicitly state, “The ESL and ELD program provides many opportunities to support the principles relating to antidiscrimination education [and] should enable students to recognize the contributions of various cultures to Canada including the unique role of Aboriginal people in the historical and cultural development of the country” (51). This book is a great example of an inclusive resource which represents diverse cultures, backgrounds and experiences, and introduces students to biases that are typical of many literary texts and informational materials. Students should be challenged and encouraged to ask questions, and as the document concludes, “The ESL and ELD program leads students to look at issues of power and justice in society, and empowers them by enabling them to express themselves and to speak out about issues that strongly affect them” (51). Rather than presenting ELLs with over-simplified texts, it is important to engage them, just as it is important to engage students in all streams, with topics of social justice and equity. D’Souza’s book offers educators with an ideal opportunity to introduce these topics in the classroom. This text can be used in an ESL DO, ESL EO or ELD EO class, where it easily aligns with curriculum expectations. The text itself corresponds with the Reading strand, by emphasizing reading strategies and vocabulary building, while assignments can be developed in conjunction with the Writing strand. In particular, the Socio-Cultural Competence and Media Literacy strand requires students to demonstrate an understanding of equity and social justice policies, as well as critically examining biases and language choice in media texts. As an inclusive and current resource, this text is a valuable resource to discuss topics of power and privilege with ELLs.

 D’Souza, Christopher. //Why are all the Taxi Drivers...?// Diverse City Strategies: Toronto, 2010.