Family Letter: Race & Racism

Dear Families:

All children notice differences and similarities between people; it’s an expected and normal part of their development. Research shows that individuals notice racial differences in people as early as infancy, and by toddlerhood, children often choose playmates based on race. Research also shows that adults delay conversations about race because they underestimate children’s processing of this complex topic.

We have started a new unit in our classroom, in which we’ll discuss issues of identity, race, and racism in age appropriate ways. We will start with exploring who WE are and what makes each of us special. We’ll talk about how each family is different and special. And we’ll conclude with a conversation of the importance of standing up for others. 

In this unit, we’ll draw on a guide called “Discussing Race with Young Children: A Step-By-Step Activity Guide,” which was created by Noggin and OK Play and published by Sparkler Learning. It’s a guide that’s intended for families to use with their young children. We are using the companion resources designed for schools and classrooms, which incorporates the illustrations that are at the heart of “Discussing Race,” and intended to prompt meaningful conversation.

We encourage you to read the guide and discuss the big ideas with your child. We know these can be challenging conversations for many people of all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. We want to emphasize: YOU can do it!  It’s not only possible, it’s important that your child start to talk about these ideas in the early years. The guide identifies five core reasons to discuss race with young children:

1. As adults, we have an opportunity to support and guide children. By listening to our children’s observations and talking openly about race, we can set children up to understand and celebrate differences. 
2. When we talk with our children about differences — both seen and unseen — we are helping children learn to respect and be kind to all the different people who make up their classroom, community, country, and world.
3. Early conversations about race can help to build children’s ability to work well with people from different backgrounds. Working collaboratively and solving problems together are skills that will benefit children as they grow up in our diverse world. 
4. Talking about differences helps children spot when people are being treated unfairly because of their race — and use their voice to stand up for what’s right.  
5. Framing conversations around a celebration of race and skin color can increase self-esteem and pride in children of color.