#44 Leveraging Literature to Teach Cultural Competence with Sheetal Sheth

Make It Mindful: An Education Podcast

In this episode of Make It Mindful, host Seth Fleischauer sits down with author, actress, and producer Sheetal Sheth. They explore the impact of Sheth's children's books, including her Anjali series and Raashi's Rakhis, and discuss how her stories highlight cultural competence and representation for young readers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Sheth’s journey from acting to writing children's literature.
• The importance of diverse representation in children's books.
• How storytelling can foster empathy and understanding in classrooms.
• Approaching sensitive topics in children's literature without shying away from tough conversations.
• Tips for teachers on incorporating diverse stories into classroom settings.

Call to Action:
Listen to this episode to learn how to use diverse stories to enrich classroom experiences and teach cultural competence.

Episode Links:

1. Sheetal Sheth's Website – www.sheetalsheth.com
2. Sheetal Sheth's Instagram – @beneaththesheetz
3. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) – www.rif.org
4. Be Podcast Network – www.BePodcast.network

Guest Bio:
Sheetal Sheth is an actress, producer, and the author of the Anjali series, the first children's book series featuring a South Asian hero. Her latest book, Raashi's Rakhis, continues her mission of creating engaging, inclusive stories for children.

Host Bio:
Seth Fleischauer: Learn more about Seth’s work at Banyan Global Learning, where he helps educators bring cultural and digital competence and transformative learning into classrooms worldwide.