Talking with First Graders About Privilege & Power

KQED - MindShift Podcast

Teaching Six Year Olds About Privilege and Power

Episode #3

9-17-19

I have listened to this podcast episode three different times while jogging and I get something unique out of hearing it each time. It features Bret Turner and the children in his first grade classroom at Head-Royce School in Oakland, CA.

...and I definitely think it's worth a listen. 

I think many parents and teachers are grappling with issues of racism, privilege, the abuse of power, and related current events. They're wondering, How do I address these topics with my students? Will I get pushback from their parents? Will my administrators support me? What is developmentally appropriate? Have I examined my own beliefs? What biases do I bring to the table? What is the goal? How do I honor this? 

This is a critical time to not only be self-reflective, but to also be in honest conversations with others. It's important to ask and to listen ... and then to play an active part in providing a safe space for our students to have these discussions as well.

Privilege and power play out in the world all around us everyday, and kids notice. Bret Turner shares, "I think that kids can handle a lot more nuance than we generally give them credit for." He reminds us that kids are naturally wired to talk about fairness and equity ... just listen in as they try to line up or share crayons or decide whose turn it is to swing next on the playground. 

Wouldn't it be better to invite kids to dialogue about these issues from a young age than to budget money for sensitivity training in the adult workplace? Children are naturals at asking questions (even the tough questions) and they rarely hold back their opinions. 

If you are wondering how the intensity of the current events will impact your instruction and classroom culture this coming fall, I encourage you to listen to this podcast episode. It's not the only educational podcast dealing with this topic, but it is a great one for teachers of young children who question whether or not it's age appropriate.

And as you plan ahead, know there are some very thoughtfully written picture books for children that can help you start the hard conversations, although sometimes I think these topics are mostly "hard" for adults. Many children are eager to share their ideas and offer solutions to problems. 

Here are two of my favorites, but there are so many to choose from. Your local librarians and booksellers will have many more suggestions. 

Check out this related blog post ... it includes a summary of The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson along with sample discussion questions you can use with children in K-2 classrooms.

👉 Talking About Inclusion & Hope with Young Children 

Happy teaching!