"#Children are our gifts to the future. Our commitment to these young people demands we celebrate their differences, acknowledge the challenges they face at different stages, in different places, and explore the possibilities for their future in ongoing and authentic ways.
"Though some adults have historically been reluctant to discuss differences among children, including racial differences, we now acknowledge that celebrating #diversity and difference allows children to embrace their unique body and personalities for who they are, and their racial and cultural heritages. From a very early age, children can discern differences based on physical attributes such as race, gender and voice.
"The American Psychological Association encourages parents and caregivers, to talk openly about and acknowledge diversity, affirming that one race or ethnicity is not better than, or less than another, but that each of us and all of us bring our diverse ways of thinking and being into our families and community. Committing to acknowledge and celebrate differences and diversity as part of our human experiences, helps to reduce bias in our children’s way of perceiving themselves and others.
"Beyond seeing differences at home, at school and in their community, children (as well as adults), are exposed to portrayals of race, ethnicity, and culture via a vast array of #media platforms. In books, in streaming-live news feeds on computers, in images on tablets, phones and television, the images we see profoundly shape our understanding of ourselves and each other. For many, their race and ethnicities are under-represented in mainstream media. For instance, although members of the BIPOC community make up about 40% of the U.S. population, they represent only about a quarter of lead characters on television, or on children's programming.
"On the other hand, stereotypes of ageism, sexism, racism and gender abound. But there are thoughtful approaches to help explore these overt and covert messages. Canada’s Centre for Media Smart and Digital Literacy resource “Talking to Kids about Racial Stereotypes” identifies practical strategies for exploring not only the way #stereotypes are presented, but also ways in which race, culture and ethnicity can be positively portrayed.
"Rather than let racism define us, let us be spurred on to complete the unfinished work of a nation. ... As we raise our next generation, let us commit to creating environments, be they physical space or media platforms, in which all children see themselves as valued and vital members of their communities and country; a country in which dreams and aspirations can be equitably envisioned and realized by all children." - from today's Food Solutions New England 21 Day Equity Challenge prompt
https://lnkd.in/eEFdmF5T
Beginning School and Auxiliary Programs Director at Charles Wright Academy
2moThe entire First Conversations series is a must have for early childhood classrooms!!