Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Social Justice

Teaching Young Children About Bias, Diversity, and Social Justice

By Jinnie Spiegler

June 16, 2016

Use young children's understanding of differences to teach about getting along through age-appropriate literature, news stories, familiar examples, and problem solving.

Who's Different and What's Fair

Young children have a keen awareness of and passion for fairness. They demand right over wrong, just over unjust. And they notice differences without apology or discomfort.

Racial identity and attitudes begin to develop in children at a young age. Two- and three-year-olds become aware of the differences between boys and girls, may begin noticing obvious physical disabilities, become curious about skin color and hair color/texture, and may also be aware of ethnic identity. By the time they're five and entering kindergarten, children begin to identify with an ethnic group to which they belong and are able to explore the range of differences within and between racial/ethnic groups. We can help our elementary students view our differences in a positive way. 

3 Classroom Strategies

Here are three ways of bringing discussions about acceptance into the elementary classroom:

1. Use children's literature.

There's a wealth of children's books (Diverse Books Matter) that can be read to approach the topic of bias, diversity, and social justice. 

2. Use the news media.

Find topics and news stories that bring forth these themes, and discuss them in the classroom. Relevant news stories that highlight when someone stood up and justice prevailed -- like the story of Misty Copeland becoming the first African American appointed as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater in its 75-year history -- are terrific teachable moments.

3. Give familiar examples.

Take advantage of children's interest in books, TV shows, toys, and video games, and use them as opportunities to explore social justice. Whether it's about a New Jersey girl who was tired of seeing books only about white boys and dogs, or discussing a new line of dolls with disabilities, you can provide openings for children to see how bias takes place in media and the everyday objects that they use.

So take a moment to consider Martin Luther King Jr. Day, social justice, PBIS, and promoting fair and kind play at our school - and try to find a moment to remind our students to Think Deeply, Work Together, and Care for our Community this week!

Have a great week!
Sue