State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal released a statement today about the guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin murder trial, beginning with: “The message out of the courtroom today brings hope for the future. But to deliver on a future that is free from racism; a future where Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) don’t just survive in America but actually thrive in America – we have a lot of work to do before we see that future.” I am struck by the fact that while the verdict in this particular trial may bring some hope and relief, there are still almost daily reports of instances of police brutality towards BIPOC individuals. Yes, indeed, we have a lot of work to do.
With this in mind, today I’m sharing several resources from the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction on talking with and educating our children about racism and policy brutality, beginning with children as young as preschoolers.
As always, I want to remind you that I am available to support students who need a little extra attention for any reason. I am in-person at North Beach all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays and work a half-day on Wednesdays remotely. I’m available to assist both students in the hybrid and remote learning models. If you have concerns, please contact me (Alysa Reid) at arreid@seattleschools.org or by phone at 206-252-1535.
For Families and Caregivers
· Britannica for Parents: How to Talk to Young Children About the Police — Britannica for Parents gathered expert advice for how to talk with children about the role of police in your community.
· PBS for Kids: Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism — Here are tips and resources to help you have a meaningful conversation with young children about race, racism, and
being anti-racist.
· American Academy of Pediatrics: The Traumatic Impact of Racism and Discrimination on Young People and How to Talk About It — Strength-Based, Trauma-Sensitive, Resilience-Building Communication Strategies Rooted in Positive Youth Development
· Talking About Race: The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Talking About Race guide may be helpful in preparing to navigate discussions about race and racism.