A Series for Children and Families
Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers and play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future.
When we cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) in young children, we create steppingstones toward resisting hate and strengthening democracy.
Because stories can connect personal experiences to broader social issues, they can help children grow in understanding justice and recognizing and challenging injustice. And stories can offer models of ordinary people engaging in actions — even seemingly small steps — toward embracing inclusivity and rejecting hate and bias. This learning can begin a child’s journey toward helping to create a more just society. As author and educator Britt Hawthorne points out: “It is never too early to start creating a home rooted in justice, compassion, and love.”
We offer the following learning journeys, stories and book recommendations for children and families to cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Elementary educators can also use these resources in the classroom. We will continue to add new learning journeys, stories and book reviews.
Learning and Activities
Connecting With Literature
We are dedicated to creating a world where Black and Brown communities are not just represented but deeply respected by our democracy.
Exploring Identity and Commonalities
Conversations about commonalities across cultures can help children build empathy and understand identity and diversity.
Celebrating African and Indigenous Cultures
Conversations about African and Indigenous cultures are essential for learning about the history of our country and making connections with a broader world.
Talking to Children About the History of Slavery in the United States
Recommendations and age-appropriate information to emphasize in conversations about slavery and racism in the U.S.
We Have a Dream: The March on Washington
An overview of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that includes activities to help children and families make connections to history.
Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During Crisis Events
How to support children and youth during crisis events in our communities, nation and world.
Discussing War and Conflict: Resources for Educators, Parents and Caregivers
As images of war and conflict fill television screens and flood the internet right now, young people need the support of parents, caregivers and educators to grapple with their emotions and to understand the events.
Stories for Children and Families
Story Corner
These short stories are for growing readers and for reading aloud to young children. Enjoy and share them. The Connecting With Literature learning journey can provide some guidance on reflection and discussion questions.
Reading Together: Books for Children
We offer some of our favorite book recommendations for children (elementary to middle grades) that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice. We will continue to update this page with new book reviews.
Selected Articles and Resources
Becoming a Village
This family-school-community partnerships model emphasizes a liberatory, whole-child approach and collective effort to nurturing all our children.
Creating a Society Rooted in Justice
Nationally recognized anti-racist and anti-bias writer and educator Britt Hawthorne provides insights on raising children to become global citizens.
Reading for Social Justice
This guide offers step-by-step instructions for planning reading groups that include and empower the entire community.
Advocating for Public Education
We all have a crucial role in advocating for children’s right to quality public education and equal access to learning.
Tips for Advocating for Inclusive Education
Recommendations for parents, caregivers and community members to help you advocate for inclusive education that supports all our children.
Advocating for Honest History Education: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers
What is honest history, why is it essential for our democracy, and how can parents, caregivers and community members advocate for honest history education?
Support Democracy and Education Justice
To build a multiracial inclusive democracy requires educating for liberation and civic and political participation across the South and the nation.
