Let's Talk About Race

In my graduate school program, I'm taking a class called Transformative Education which highlights important current trends in education. This class, along with the fact that I have been glued to my computer screen reading about the events in Ferguson, Missouri and Statin Island, New York, has left me feeling that I need to do more in our classroom to facilitate learning around race and social justice.

I'm grateful to have access to some fantastic resources for initiating conversations about race and justice with young children. This is where I feel change can begin - with talking openly about history; having honest conversations about racism, prejudice and privilege; and identifying progress and where we can go from here.

On Tuesday, I read aloud Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester.

 

In the discussion that followed this read aloud, a student mentioned Ferguson. I explained that I didn't want to talk specifically about Ferguson now because we haven't yet done the work to develop the understanding and vocabulary necessary to really talk about that specific situation. I explained that by talking openly about race, prejudice and privilege, however, we are talking about the issues at the core of the events in Ferguson. As always, I added: "If you feel confused and interested in what's going on in the news, please do ask your parents."

While teaching compassion, a balanced view of history, compromise, and community have always been core to my work with your children, students now experience a new level of openness from me about modern social issues.  Mostly, I hope that as I talk more openly about social justice, the students will continue to feel held by the warm and safe community in our room and be able to share their thoughts and questions about race and social issues. I'm excited!

I have been stocking our class library with more great novels, biographies, and picture books that help students gain perspective on the blessings in their lives, help them to feel connected with children of diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds, and share true explanations of historical events.

One way that I'm working to build a more socially responsible classroom is to periodically select some books for the students to examine. They're looking to decide if the book is one that we want to have in our socially responsible library. We'll continue to add to our list of qualifiers. Some questions that we ask are: What is the message of the story? Does it help us better understand other people's experiences? Does it share ideas that are biased and inaccurate? Is it full of stereotypes about certain races or genders or family structures?

Part of building a more socially responsible class is bridging a stronger connection with the world outside of our school and community. Our trip to Bello Gardens Assisted Living yesterday was beautiful and felt important. The class has decided to raise money to buy gifts for seniors in assisted living around the Bay Area who otherwise would not receive a gift this holiday season. Shreya, our Class Parent, has been helping me come up with ways that the students can give of themselves to other people in the Bay Area in the coming weeks.

I hope that the steps I take in the classroom will inspire more open conversations about these topics at home as well!

As always, I want to hear your opinions, insights, ideas, and concerns.  You know where to find me. :)