Kids start learning about race and become aware of prejudice, inequality and discrimination from an early age. It is important for adults to talk about race and identity with children from the start and answer their questions- which you can bet they have!
Here is a list of compelling activities and resources to help facilitate conversations about race, understanding identity, and becoming aware of privilege.
Activities with Children
- Watch Sesame Street’s Townhall hosted by CNN’s Van Jones and The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special (with a family discussion guide for extra tips).
- Download Bay Rising’s COVID-19 coloring book for organizers of all ages.
- Read children’s books from collections like the Black Lives Matter Library.
- Watch and discuss PBS Kids' Talk About Race & Racism and keep the momentum going by asking discussion questions, making a family commitment to being anti-racist, and drawing yourself as an advocate.
- Art, play and story-telling can help young children cope and communicate through big emotions. Check out this handout with tips on how to navigate difficult topics including migration, incarceration and community violence (from Tandem, Partners in Early Learning).
- Participate in safe gatherings and demonstrations virtually or in-person that celebrate and protest.
- Join our inclusive community – register for virtual gatherings through Children’s Council’s website, including Tuesday Playgroups, a monthly “Parent Cafe” and other activities for families.
- Incorporate conversations about gender expressions through activities like the unicorn coloring page by Trans Student Educational Resources.
- Seek out groups like those offered by Gender Spectrum to engage in supportive discussions in safe spaces with peers.
- Share or create social justice-themed art - here's some inspiration from Forward Together.
Remember, children pick up and learn more from adults than you might think. Here are additional ways to learn, reflect, and take action:
Resources Specific to Parents and Educators
- Listen to California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burk's interview on KQED about racism's impact on health and her experience as a Black parent right now
- Resource Roundup: "Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk about Race” by Pretty Good
- San Francisco Public Library’s Collection of Antiracist Books for Adults
- Webinar recording by ChildCareAware about Racial Justice and Equity in Child Care
- Creating Anti-Racist Childhood Spaces
- National Association for Educating Young Children: Anti-Bias Resources and Advancing Equity
- Center of Excellence of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Equity Resources
- Early Head Start: Children's Response to Tragic Events and Building Resilience to Stress & Trauma
- American Psychologic Association (APA): Talking to Kids About Discrimination
- EmbraceRace.org: 8 Tips for Talking to Your Child About Racial Injustice
- 15 Classroom Resources for Discussing Policing, Racism and Protest
- Check out trainings, resources and more reflections for social change leaders from the Management Center, including "So you’ve declared that Black Lives Matter. Now what? and "How to Manage When Things Are Not Okay (And Haven’t Been For Centuries)"
- Learn about systemic racism through this free online repository by Jstor
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