Resources on How to Talk to Kids about Race, Summer Activities, and Support Resources for Parents

Dear Durham/Gomes Communities,

I can’t believe this is our last week of a very unique school year.  I would like to take a moment  to acknowledge the deep sadness and anger felt by many surrounding the violent death of Geoge Floyd which led to the ensuing social unrest.  This is a time of grief and trauma, and it can trigger many emotions within us and our children.  

My 6h grade daughter found out about Geoge Floyd’s death from her friends via Google Hangouts.  She is full of curiosity, and has many questions.  We are having many conversations about systematic racism and police brutality.  I’m grateful for these conversations as it allows me to reflect, model, and guide her.  As I am learning and growing myself, I would like to share resources that you may find helpful in facilitating this difficult yet important conversation with your children. 

In addition I have included information on summer activities and support resources for parents.  All of this information can be found on my webpage which I will continue to provide updated information and resources.  

I miss everyone.  I can’t wait to see all of you again in the near future.  Have a wonderful summer!

Love,

 

La Te - School Counselor

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Articles and Tips For Parents and Caregivers

• Talking Race with Young Children (Podcast Episode)
• CNN provides a 5-minute read entitled How to Talk to Your Children About Protests and Racism.  It offers a variety of great strategies based on the age of your children about how to address these important and tough conversations
• Center for Racial Justice has tons of free resources for parents/educators regarding how to talk about race and racialized violence with our children/students.
• Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk About Race
• Raising Race-Conscious Children 
• 4 Things We Should All Teach Kids About Racism Right Now

 

Books for Children

• This website Epic has a collection of books celebrating Black culture.
• The Ultimate 2018 List of Diverse Books for Children (Here Wee Read is a great resource for books! Follow her Instagram!)
• "Something Happened in Our Town"

         Read-along link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV_5QzW6EGQ

• “A Kid Book About Racism”

         Read-along link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnaltG5N8nE&t=5s

• "Let's Talk About Race"

         Read-along link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoDUJY9u9Jw

• "Peaceful fights for Equal Rights"

         Read-along link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMFdiR2yl8E

Toys:

• People Colors Crayon Pack
• Sugarfoot Rag Dolls
• Pattycake Doll Company

 

Summer Resources:

• Fremont Recreational Center - offers a variety of virtual recreational programs
• Ohlone for Kids - offers a blend of academic and special enrichment classes virtually
• Varsitytutors.com - offers free summer camps for children ages 5-18 from June to August
• Alameda County library - has e-books/e-movies, and homework help

 

Resources for Parents

• If you need emotional support regarding parenting, please contact Parental Stress Hotline 1-800-829-3777. 
• Alameda County Community Food Bank - Need food today? Get connected with local agencies that can provide you with food as soon as possible.

 

 

 

“Racism in America is like dust in the air.  It seems invisible  - even if you’re choking on it - until you let the sun in.  Then you see it’s everywhere.  As long as we keep shining that light, we have a chance of clearing it wherever it lands.  But we have to stay vigilant, because it’s always still in the air.”        

                    

Kareem Abudul-Jabbar