Folk wisdom tells us young children don't notice differences or have any biases, yet research is telling us otherwise. What are age appropriate ways to teach young children about identity, difference, and microaggressions (ouch moments)?
1. French American International School
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
Seattle Girls’ School
Talking to Young Children
About Difference and Ouch Moments
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
5. Early Awareness of Difference
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
Age Signs
6 months Can discern racial feature differences
3 years Awareness of own and others’ gender.
Beginning awareness of gender roles
5 years Desire to categorize – self, others
Curiosity about meaning of differences
Aware of biases
7 years Can regulate biases versus behaviors
Starting to parrot adult messages
3rd grade Are aware of societal stereotypes
cross group play can increase
5th grade Have internalized stereotypical messages
cross group play can decrease
6. When They’re Little
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
Theme: Trying to Understand the World
Curiosity based questions about difference
Find out what they’re actually asking
Find out why they’re asking
Answer their questions straightforwardly
Model and coach humility, delight, and
curiosity about difference
Be mindful of children’s media – it’s not
always good for kids
7. Ouch Moments Frameworks
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
Anytime, Grown Up, Never OK
Bugs and Wishes
Different - Good, Bad, and Different
Oops, Ouch, Snaps!
THINK Before You Speak
– Is it True?
– Is it Helpful?
– Is it Inspiring?
– Is it Necessary
– Is it Kind?
8. Curricular Approaches
Exposure Base
Allowing Questions
Gentle Guidance
Modeling Comfort With Discussions
Expanding Definition of What’s Possible
Fairness, Kindness, and Rightness
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
9. Examples
The Black Santa Story
The Jackie Robinson Story
What Makes a Family?
Xs and Os
Alternate Fairy Tales
Dress-Up Corner
Guest Speakers That Defy Stereotypes
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
11. What Parents Fear and
What We Can Do About It
“I didn’t know about this stuff…”
“I don’t have any language around this…”
“I want to protect their innocence…”
“Are you teaching my kids values?”
“I don’t want my kid to feel spotlighted…”
Heads Up Communication
Resources and Language
Clear Reiteration of Mission and Values
Research and Your Expertise
Explicit Communication of Parents’ Roles
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)
13. Presenter Information
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee
6th Faculty and
Professional Outreach
Seattle Girls’ School
2706 S Jackson Street
Seattle WA 98144
(206) 805-6562
rlee@seattlegirlsschool.org
http://tiny.cc/rosettalee
Rosetta Eun Ryong Lee (http://tiny.cc/rosettalee)