The Museum as a Mirror, Window, and Sliding Glass Door

February 2026

Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Professor Emerita at The Ohio State University, taught that children’s books should serve as “mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors.” We use this framework when curating our book selection in our Books and Crannies exhibit, but we also strive to follow Dr. Sims Bishop’s guidance when designing exhibits and programs. We believe it is important for children to see themselves in the Museum, while also having the opportunity to be introduced to new ways of living.

What are Mirrors?  

Children see themselves reflected in Museum exhibits and programs. Access to culturally-affirming spaces and experiences help children develop a positive sense of identity. Seeing their culture represented in the Museum helps children feel welcomed and included, which promotes confidence. 

What are Windows and Sliding Glass Doors?  

Through open-ended, hands-on play, children are able to learn about experiences that are different from their own. By being introduced to cultural diversity, children learn to see the world from multiple viewpoints, fostering curiosity and empathy. Early exposure to diversity can help prevent the development of stereotypes and prejudices. 

I really enjoyed participating in this program. I definitely saw the benefits of selecting a topic based on students' interests and empowering students to take charge in their own learning. It was a wonderful experience for students because they learned what it looked like and felt like to have a

Here are just a few examples of how we put Dr. Sims Bishop’s work into practice this month: 

  • Argentina’s Niños is a temporary exhibit currently at the Museum through May 10. It invites visitors to compare the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in the second-largest country in South America. In addition, families from Argentina are able to see their culture highlighted and celebrated in the Museum.
  • Cultural Celebrations, such as our Lunar New Year event scheduled for February 17, affirm the traditions of families who celebrate that specific holiday. Families who celebrate other holidays are able to learn about a new tradition. These events offer a way to come together to learn from each other. 
  • Story Times featuring books that celebrate Black History Month. During the month of February, children will explore Charlie Parker Played BeBop by Chris Raschka during our Books and Bops program. Our afternoon Story Time book this month is Jumpstart’s Read for the Record book See Marcus Grow by Marcus Bridgewater.  
I really enjoyed participating in this program. I definitely saw the benefits of selecting a topic based on students' interests and empowering students to take charge in their own learning. It was a wonderful experience for students because they learned what it looked like and felt like to have a I really enjoyed participating in this program. I definitely saw the benefits of selecting a topic based on students' interests and empowering students to take charge in their own learning. It was a wonderful experience for students because they learned what it looked like and felt like to have a


See you at the Museum! 

Stephanie Bynum, Vice President of Programs 

References: 

Michael T. Rizzo, Emily R. Green, Yarrow Dunham, Emile Bruneau, Marjorie Rhodes. Beliefs about social norms and racial inequalities predict variation in the early development of racial bias. Developmental Science. March, 2022, Vol. 25 Issue 2, p1-15  

Clark, Shelby, Madora Soutter, and Alison Lee. Measuring Character: EL Education’s Journey in Developing Tools for Improvement and Impact in Social, Emotional, and Academic Learning -Theoretical, Psychometric, and Educator Considerations (New York: EL Education, 2020), ELeducation.org/character-white-paper pg. 35-37 

Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. Reading in Fundamental https://scenicregional.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Mirrors-Windows-and-Sliding-Glass-Doors.pdf 

 

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