Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Talking about race

    Posted 11-20-2018 02:19 AM
    Having attended the Leadership Forum, I am faced with a question. What are some practical ways to open up a conversation about race with young children?

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    Brian Silveira
    Pacific Primary
    San Francisco CA
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  • 2.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-20-2018 07:59 AM

    The conversation has to be embedded into the curriculum or you risk othering people, which is the exact opposite of you want. That would mean a variety of dolls, stories, and lessons that speak of the value of inclusiveness on the a daily basis, also look at your staff? Are the administrators and or teachers one race or gender and the assistants all another, if it is, whatever you do in regards to workshop isn't going to do much as your culture is stating you support oppression. 

    It is a long process. 

    A good reference are starting off point is Louise Derman-Sparks  and this book:

    Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves





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    Lark Sontag
    Halcyon Park NJ
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  • 3.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-20-2018 12:16 PM
    I agree with Lark. Especially with younger children, just having representation in the books in classroom, art work, classroom toys can go a long way. Young children it's not so much the discussion its about actions and what they see around them.

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    Temesha Ragan
    Family Child Care Forum Facilitator 
    Family Child Care Provider
    Perfect Start Learning
    Edwards CA
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  • 4.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-21-2018 12:26 AM
    Thank you, I'm interested in talking about fairness and inclusive language around racial identity. Any advice?

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    Brian Silveira
    Pacific Primary
    San Francisco CA
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  • 5.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-21-2018 08:54 AM

    Hi Brian, 

    In my experience, it's great for adults to get comfortable talking about our racial identities with one another first. Sometimes we "try things out" with children before we ever take the time and courage to work with these questions together with other adults. Once we are comfortable talking about race with one another, it comes more naturally with children, and we are less likely to "other" children and families. 

    kp



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    Kendra PeloJoaquin
    Pedagogista
    Campus Child Care
    Jamaica Plain MA
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  • 6.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-21-2018 03:05 PM
    So agree. How does your staff talk about racism, if they aren't on are regular basis that would probably be the best place to start. I know this seems like a complicated answer, like why can't we just give you a "try this book."

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    Lark Sontag
    Halcyon Park NJ
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  • 7.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-21-2018 04:13 PM
    ​Some web resources that might be helpful:

    EmbraceRace - Racing a Brave Generation: https://www.embracerace.org/ Although the site is oriented towards parents, many of the resources seem applicable to child care providers too. Resources include tip sheets (i.e, 3 Tips for Talking to Your Child about Racial Injustice), a blog with discussions like "Seeing, Noticing, and Talking about Differences with Young Children" and book lists (and articles about using them with children) and "Ask EmbraceRace"

    The Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute - Race, Culture, and Ethnicity Committee: https://fpg.unc.edu/race-culture-and-ethnicity-committee

    Some online professional development providers have units that address race and diversity. Some include ChildCare Education Institute https://www.cceionline.com/, Care Courses https://www.carecourses.com/PublicPages/Home.aspx , ProSolutions https://prosolutionstraining.com/ , ContinuEd https://www.continued.com/early-childhood-education/

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    Karen Kissinger
    NYS Office of Children & Family Services
    Rensselaer NY
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  • 8.  RE: Talking about race

    Posted 11-26-2018 10:30 AM
    Hi Brian,
    Here's an article you might find useful. It was in the May 2018 issue of Young ChildrenBecoming Upended: Teaching and Learning about Race and Racism with Young Children and Their Families. It's about how the teacher of a diverse K classroom supported children's learning and understanding about race and racism. You'll need to login to the NAEYC website to see the article. 

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    Susan Friedman
    National Association for the Education of Young Children
    Washington DC
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