As we read and react to the horrific events happening in Minneapolis and around the country, we are holding in our hearts these individuals, families, cities, and communities and have redoubled our efforts as we take action in support and solidarity of those suffering under the weight of institutionalized racism and systemic injustice. As educators, it is both our job to be objective and fair in perspective, and to teach students compassion and empathy and justice. These two responsibilities can be really hard to balance when living in a world that so often displays the opposite for those values. In regards to the BLM movement and the insidious issue of police brutality, we can not be neutral, as a citizen of the world and as a teacher.
TBS students have been such an example of friendship, patience, flexibility, support, acceptance, inclusivity, problem solving, and kindness. If the world was following the lead of these children, we’d all be better for it.
If you are in search of resources to help you talk to your children about race and racism, we’ve included some at the bottom of this email. And if you’ve found resources that you feel are helpful, please send them our way!
Resources Suggestions for Preschool
- The teachers from our Eugenia Classroom has curated this blog post with resources for healing and a celebration of Black joy as well as strategies for around talking to children about these protests, racism, and Black Lives Matter This blog is by no means exhaustive and there are many amazing resources out there.
Resource Suggestions for Lower Elementary
- Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk About Race
- “Beyond the Golden Rule” from Teaching Tolerance
- Table Talks from ADL
- “Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?” – Beverly Daniel Tatum’s Ted Talk
- Anti-bias Education from Teaching for Change
Resource Suggestions for Upper Elementary and Middle School:
- They’re not too young to talk about race
- Before You Teach About George Floyd–BLINK
- 15 Tips for Talking with Children about Violence
- Bearing Witness: The Death of George Floyd
- Kidlit: Rally for Black Lives
- Resource Guide for White Teachers and Parents Developing Consciousness and Moving into Action – Saxman
- Webinar for parenting adults of white children: How do I make sure I’m not raising the next Amy Cooper?
Resource Suggestions for All Students
Follow and read Black and brown voices and media outlets. Use what you learn to inform conversations with your kids. Here are some places to start:
