Discussing Race with Students
Overview
Discussing race with students can range from celebrating the importance of diversity to understanding the impact of racism from the perspective of those who have been historically marginalized. Learners' awareness of race and differences starts at a young age. For younger learners, designing activities that help them celebrate similarities and differences can create classrooms that foster a positive Sense of Belonging and are conducive to deeper conversations about race. It's important not to single students out, ask them to speak on behalf of minoritized groups, or force them to share in general if they are not ready. Establishing nonverbal signals allows students to communicate their readiness to speak or level of discomfort with the conversation. Using simple, age appropriate language and stories that students can understand makes these conversations accessible and safe for younger learners.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this educator designs activities that help students notice and celebrate the similarities and differences they have from their peers. These types of activities can help create environments conducive to more complex conversations about race.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Culturally Responsive Strategies
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Translanguaging is a flexible classroom practice enabling students to listen, speak, read, and write across their multiple languages or dialects, even if the teacher does not have formal knowledge of these additional languages.
