June 2020
Silence about race reinforces racism. Talking about race and racism with children is an important way to begin to address systemic societal issues. Here are resources on having conversations with children about race and issues surrounding it:
- Aha! Parenting offers ideas on how to talk to children about race and racism in light of the recent protests here: https://www.ahaparenting.com/ask-the-doctor-1/talking-with-children-about-racism-police-brutality-and-protests
- Everyday Feminism offers ways to raise racially conscious children here: https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/08/raising-racially-conscious-kids/
- The Children’s Community School believes it is never too early to discuss race–and has created a developmental chart on the ages and stages of learning about race: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpg
- Parent Toolkit offers ways to talk to kids about race and racism here: https://www.parenttoolkit.com/social-and-emotional-development/advice/social-awareness/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-race-and-racism
- CNN and Sesame Street: “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism” –– a town hall for kids and families airing on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. ET. It will be available to watch on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español. It will stream live on CNN.com’s homepage and across mobile devices via CNN’s apps, without requiring a cable log-in. More information: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/02/us/cnn-sesame-street-standing-up-to-racism/index.html
- First 5 LA: Lessons Learned: Talking with Kids about Racism and Inequality: https://www.first5la.org/parenting/articles/lesson-learned-talking-to-kids-about-racism-and-inequality/
- First 5 LA: Parents Ask: What can we do to address racism and inequality?: https://www.first5la.org/parenting/articles/lesson-learned-talking-to-kids-about-racism-and-inequality/
- LAist: Even young children notice what’s happening in the world right now. Here’s what you can do to help them understand: https://laist.com/2020/06/02/how-to-talk-about-protests-racism-with-children.php
- Black Lives Matter: 13 Guiding Principals (for elementary school children) –https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W84wzvrCCEGes7eGXKlyKr4vu9V09hEH/view
- CNN: How to talk to your child about protests and racism: https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/01/health/protests-racism-talk-to-children-wellness/index.html
- New York Times: These books can help you explain the protests and racism to your kids
- Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors: Talking to Kids about Race, Resources for Hard Conversations
- Give An Hour:Talking With Your Kids About Injustice
- Read Aloud: The Color of Us – YouTube video for talking to kids about race
- PBS: Talking to Kids About Thanksgiving: Center Truth, Connection and Being Grateful
- PBS: A Book List for Teaching Little Ones Tolerance and Understanding
- PBS: Celebrate Children’s Day by Honoring Other Cultures and Promoting Advocacy
- PBS: Four Social Skills That Can Teach Children About Equity Based on MLK’s Ideals
- PBS: Five Anti-Bias Education Strategies for Early Childhood Classrooms
- PBS: Seven Ways to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy with Children
- PBS: Unity in Diversity: Fostering the Pillars of Activism in Children
