Mini-Lesson #52- It's Okay To Talk About Differences

Today in Pond Cove Spirit Week, it's Readers Day!  I've chosen to share one of my favorite books about acknowledging and respecting differences, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson.  It is my hope that this might help your family start a conversation about respecting differences.  I also thought it was important to share resources on how to start or continue having conversations about race and racism.  Instead of follow up activities today, I have shared resources to help families have these important conversations.

Resources for parents to continue the conversation:

• Parents, I know that talking about race and racism can be uncomfortable.  You might be questioning whether you should be having these conversations with your child.  I found this webinar by NYU Langone child and adolescent psychologist Dr. Yamalis Diaz to be incredibly helpful in understanding why it is important to talk to kids early and often about race and how to have those conversations.

• My kids and I highly recommend that you watch this lesson on race and racism from a kindergarten teacher.  It is powerful, developmentally appropriate, and sparked important conversations for us.

• Consider using children's literature to engage your child in conversations about difference and race.  Here are some of my favorites:  

• The Day You Begin- Jacqueline Woodson
• The Skin You Live In- Micheal Tyler
• Last Stop on Market Street- Matt de la Pena
• All Are Welcome- Alexandra Penfold
• The Other Side- Jacqueline Woodson 
• I am Jackie Robinson - Brad Meltzer 
• Same, Same but Different- Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
• 26 Books to Support Conversations on Race and Racism
• Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Books
• https://diversebookfinder.org

• Common Sense Media has put together an amazing list of resources for both parents and educators- Common Sense Media- Resources and Race and Racism

• School Counselor, Kriya Lendzion from Evergreen Community Charter School, created a helpful resource for parents that I would encourage you to check out.  Please note that some of the links are not currently working.  
• Racism Dismantling Resources For Parents

• I am learning right along with you!  Have concerns, questions, resources to share- please reach out!