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Grades 1 - 4
Responding to Racism: Everyone Belongs
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Let There Be Peace
Loving Father,
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth,
the peace that was meant to be.
With You as our Father,
family all are we.
Let us walk with each other
in perfect harmony.
Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Amen.
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Children's attitudes on race are shaped by what the adults in their lives model and teach them. Knowing this, it is imperative for us as parents and teachers to help our children understand the differences that make each person unique aren't meant for us to be biased or discriminatory towards.
The following videos are helpful resources to guide conversations about race and differences for your family. The parents' video resource is a special CNN research study report that provides a glimpse into children's perceptions of race and the differences between people. The children's video resource is an animated telling of Dr. Seuss' story, The Sneetches. This classic tale will help your family engage in a discussion about discrimination.
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Scripture tells us that we are all made in the image and likeness of God which means that everyone you meet, regardless of our differences, is a reflection of the goodness of God. Because of this fact in our creation story, we are called to acknowledge and celebrate racial and cultural diversity.
There are a variety of books available to help our children celebrate the pillars of acceptance and belonging written by talented authors who want to help children respond to racism through meaningful lessons. Author, Jacqueline Woodson has a number of award-winning books for children of every age to help them learn about celebrating diversity. One of her most famous titles - "The Other Side" is a wonderful story about the power of friendship regardless of our differences. Alexandra Penfold is another wonderful author whose children's book "All Are Welcome" helps children to celebrate diversity and know that each person is wonderfully made and welcomed by God. Click below to explore resources from these authors.
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There are several simple activities that you can do as a family to discuss racism and differences. The simplest, and yet most impactful activity is to talk to your children about race because it is an important conversation to have in helping to foster respect and solidarity for one another. The following mini-activities may be helpful experiences to add to your family's discussion:
1. Read the story of creation (Genesis 1: 1-31). Discuss God's plans for creation, especially how we are made by God.
2. Using the terms "diverse group of children", do a Google search for images of groups of children together. Use the photos you find to foster a conversation about how we are all created and how God loves us. Make a list of the similarities the children have and the unique differences you can see.
Past PARENT CUE Materials
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