I have compiled a list of possible topics that may come to mind for you to discuss as a family as well as a reading list that includes books for K-6 grades. You will find dozens of articles to help spark much needed discussions about what is happening and has been happening for a long time. I am also aware that these discussion topics might be more suited for upper grades. I would recommend taking a look at the reading list below and use those as a stepping stone for discussion. I know talking about race can be hard and difficult. I've also posted some links to websites and podcasts to help with eliminating the taboo around talking about race. The goal is to hopefully get the conversation started instead of staying silent.
We must engage with kids and find ways to address any anger and frustration. Here are some recommended tips when speaking with young kids about race.
Don’t avoid talking about it. Racism and violence are things parents are reluctant to address, wanting to protect children from being frightened or upset. But children can come to harmful conclusions about race when it’s not discussed openly.
Try to be calm and factual. Children take their cues from parents, so talking to them calmly helps them process information. You don’t have to be a robot! It is appropriate to have emotional reactions, but try not to let them overwhelm the conversation.
Validate their feelings. Do your best to acknowledge whatever fears, anger or other negative feelings come up for them. This will look different for every child. Your child might be afraid of riots or they might be afraid of being hurt by the police themselves.
Encourage questions — and don’t worry if you can’t answer them.
The one key takeaway is to have a conversation with your kids now, whatever that looks like in your family. And keep talking about it. We are all learning how to this together.
Table topic options: 1. See George Floyd's humanity first. He was a man who cried out for his life. He was killed unnecessarily. He posed no threat and he was loved. 2. Have awareness that important history is happening now, and it matters. 3. Understand that racism is very present and very real and very alive. 4. Understand the feelings of injustice when there is no accountability. 5. Have awareness of the long list of names that George Floyd's name has been tragically added to. 6. How can we have a voice and help our community move forward? 7. What does "showing up" mean to you and how does it sound to lead with empathy and compassion?
Other great resources to help talk about race
1619 Project The 1619 Project is an ongoing project developed by The New York Times Magazine in 2019 with the goal of re-examining the legacy of slavery in the United States and timed for the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans in Virginia. Here you will find reading guides, acitivies, and other resources to bring The 1619 Project to your home or classroom.
The uncomfortable truth podcast How do you end racism if you're too afraid to talk about it? Emmy-winning filmmaker, Loki Mulholland continues the conversation started in his award-winning film, "The Uncomfortable Truth", to learn the answers to the questions we all need to be asking about race and racism in America.
Center for Racial Justice in Education Here you will find a continually updated list of resources for talking about race, racism, and racialized violence with kids.
Justice in June This resource was compiled by Autumn Gupta with Bryanna Wallace’s oversight for the purpose of providing a starting place for individuals trying to become better allies.