This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman is joined once again by Cookeville resident Brandon Russell to continue their conversation about race, cultural diversity and racism, as well as Russell’s experiences and point of view as a person of color living in the Upper Cumberland.
Russell, who is the father of a five year old son, shares his thoughts about the color of one’s skin and the impact that has on an individual.
The discussion focuses on how our words and actions can have such a tremendous impact on the children in our lives. Putman shares this important article from PBS KIDS Parents about how to talk to kids about racism.
“Children are never too young to be exposed to diversity,” says Dr. Aisha White, Director of the P.R.I.D.E Program within the Office of Child Development at University of Pittsburgh. “The research continues to show that children recognize skin color differences at a very young age. As young as 3 months old, they may look differently at people who look like or don’t look like their primary caregivers.”
At age 2-and-a-half, children can start developing and observing racial biases they see in the world around them. “Once they get to age 4 and 5, it’s a critical time when White children, for example, begin to exhibit obvious bias,” says Dr. White. “And Black children or children of color begin to feel discriminated against because of their skin color.”
More valuable resources can be found here: https://www.racepride.pitt.edu/
Helping Black children understand race and embrace their ethnicity and heritage is at the heart of P.R.I.D.E., Positive Racial Identify Development In Early Education
In the Teacher’s Corner, talking about race in the classroom, contains podcasts that focus on various topics that educators can listen and learn from.
There is also a parent and a community corner with resources to help understand how to talk about topics of race.
Cultural Awareness and Diversity:
- Article: How to Teach Young Children about Cultural Awareness & Diversity (from PBS Parents)
- Article: Learning to Appreciate Diversity Through Play (from PBS Parents)
- PBS LearningMedia Collection: World Cultures Collection
- Arthur All About Community: Appreciating & Understanding Diversity
- Booklist: 13 Children’s Books About Race & Diversity (from PBS Parents)
- Guide: Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children’s Books (from Social Justice Books)
- Article: 8 Tips for Choosing “Good” Picture Books Featuring Diverse, BIPOC Characters (from EmbraceRace.org)
PBS LearningMedia (professional learning tools for educators)
- Developing Cultural Awareness | Learning with Littles
- Demonstrating Empathy and Perseverance| Learning with Littles
- Culturally Responsive Teaching with Molly of Denali
- Exploring the Community | Cultivating Good Neighbor Skills
- Building Relationships | Cultivating Good Neighbor Skills
Next week (6/20) join us as Brandon shares his favorite black facts with our listeners.
Additional free resources to keep parents & caregivers connected:
- Bright By Text is a great tool for parents and caregivers of children birth to 5. To get free learning games and easy-to-understand tips texted to you, text "WCTE" to 274448. It's free and so easy!
- We also invite you to check out the Connection Zone where you can find all sorts of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, check out the Monthly Activity calendar for little learners on our At Home Learning website. This is an educational one stop shop for free resources for summer learning!
%20Skinny.png)