We stand in solidarity with Bretons Taylor, we breathe with George Floyd, we run with Ahmad Arbery and, we remember the names of many others lost to excessive force and injustice. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd may make us feel like the country is being torn apart. We cannot help but to confront the sobering and saddening reality of racism in our country. Many members of our school community are no doubt feeling hurt, confused, angry, scared or anxious – or all of the above. In a time like this, our school community must be a place of support, love, and care – even if we are not physically together. Please make sure you are connecting with other parents in our school community- checking in on each other.
Gianna Floyd, Daughter of George Flyd, says “Daddy Changed The World”
As a school community, we each play a role in forming the hearts and minds of our children. Our Lion Pride includes respecting the dignity of every person, working toward the common good, and standing in solidarity with the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community. Caring for our children not only means sharing our values with them, but it also includes listening to their questions and concerns.
Conversations with Your Child
The article that we shared yesterday has a few guidelines of how to have conversations with your child based on what is developmentally appropriate. In case you have not had a chance to read that article, here are the highlights:
- 3-5 year-olds
- Protect them from television coverage and scary household conversations
- If they ask questions, ask what they have heard
- Share basic information
- Close the discussion with hope and reassure them that they are safe
- 6-9 year-olds
- Ask what they have heard and open the discussion there
- Avoid television news which tends to sensationalize
- Give facts and know that it’s okay if you don’t have answers to all their questions
- Discuss the protests and how change can happen in a democracy
- End the conversation reassuring them that they are safe and that change is possible
- 10+ years old
- Take the discussions further, more in depth and ongoing
- When something unfair happens and people are very angry, how can we support them?
- Can you think of examples of our individual or group actions and perceptions being shaped by racist ideas that we might not even notice?
- How can we make sure that deaths like George Floyd’s don’t happen?
- Brainstorm ways to take positive action and a stand against racism in their school and community.
- Take the discussions further, more in depth and ongoing
Recommended Book List: Embrace Race book list (resending)
The New York Times’ Learning Network shared an article about the protests, along with discussion questions, and opened comments for students to share their opinion .
The nonprofit Teaching for Change put together a list of social justice books for teen
More Resources for Adults:
Talking to Children: CNN article
Read On Being Black and Blue by Andréa Comer.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture launched an History and Culture launched an online portal called Talking About Race that’s designed to help steer conversations about racism, racial identity, and the way these forces shape every aspect of society.
In case you missed President Obama’s inspiring words on June 3rd:
Flight Attendant’s Chance Encounter Sparks Powerful Conversation About Racism
JacqueRae Hill spotted a passenger reading “White Fragility” and asked him about the book. His reply renewed her hope.