This week our host Cynthia Whittaker Putman was once again joined by Cookeville resident Brandon Russell as they continued their conversation about race, diversity, and raising children in a rural southern town during this unprecedented time in our country.
Rounding out our series of how to talk to little learners about race, cultural diversity and racism, Putman and Russell offer parents and caregivers some tools from PBS Parents.
By helping your child understand and respect similarities and differences you will also help your child to understand who they are in the context of your race, ethnic group, culture, religion, language and familial history.
Explore more with this article, which helps dive into the topic of teaching children about cultural awareness and diversity. This also includes suggestions for parents to be a role model for their kids.
Brandon also shared the importance of finding books, shows, cartoons, and toys that reflect the color of your child’s skin, saying that they need to see the color of their skin represented in a positive way. Here are some book suggestions from PBS Kids if you want some inspiration!
In the last part of the show, we featured the new PBS KIDS web series “PBS KIDS Talk About.” In the latest edition, which you can stream here, real families talk with PBS KIDS about their feelings and emotions. When children have strong feelings and emotions about something it’s important to have someone to talk to about them!
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!
Listeners outside the broadcast area of News Talk 107.7 and 1400 The Hub can stream the radio show by downloading the 107.7 and 1400 The Hub app.
