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The story Something Happened in Our Town is a great resource to discuss the topic of racial inequality with young students. It was able to articulate (in an age-appropriate way) what I feel adults may struggle with expressing to kids. It gave viewpoints of white people as well as people of color. I think that all kids can relate to a character in this story. I will certainly be using this resource in class as well as with my own children.

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Watching the PBIS Kids video was really interesting to see children speak about what they think racism is and how it presents itself in today's society. The "spark" that I found while watching this was that there is no correct way to teach students about racism or what kind of things go hand-in-hand with it. It is important to have these open and honest conversations with kids so that they can understand what is going on in the world. They are able to comprehend and problem solve on their own this way. They also spoke about how sometimes these conversations are uncomfortable or make you feel sad but it is important to have them because it helps children to be aware of their surroundings and make a difference in the world.

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The book Something Happened in Our Town tackles what I feel seems to be a difficult topic to explain to young students on an age-appropriate level. I really like how the characters are of many different races (white, black, Asian) and it merges the blanket topic of kindness/inclusion with important social justice calls to action. One part that resonated with me was the quote "Use your anger to make things better.' It messages to children that people of color are treated unfairly everyday and it is important to recognize it in order to make a change.

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One "spark" I chose to explore is the story, Something Happened in Our Town. This is a GREAT resource! I enjoyed this story because the situation that is happening in the story is about current events that many people are afraid to talk about with their kids, or students. I also like how this story uses kid-friendly language for young students/kids to understand. I would definitely use this resource in my classroom.

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The children's book, "Something Happened in Our Town", is a great resource to use in the primary grades. When speaking with younger children about diversity and inequality, it is often challenging to navigate how to speak to them in a way that they will understand. This is a book that I can utilize in my classroom to spark a discussion that is geared towards their age group. I feel that my students will find the story relatable and will spark them to take action, and find value in small actions having a big impact.

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The resource from Ester Park was full of ideas to create engaging, meaningful, and innovative learning experiences. I loved her "choose a work room." I will be using that resource to allow students to have opportunities to help them actively interact based on learning style.

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PBS KIDS Talk About | Race, Racism & Identity

It was interesting to hear how different children of different ages and cultures describe what they think racism is. Families teach their children what racism is in many different ways. but in the end each child described it as treating people unfairly no matter their skin color. No matter how the conversation is done, it is important to talk about with your children and students

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Disability may be visible or invisible however, it is the largest minority in the world.

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Disability may be visible or invisible however, it is the largest minority in the world.

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One "spark" that I found was the PBS Kids video where parents and their children sat down to speak about race, racism, and identity. This video made me think about how important it is to have an open dialogue about these topics with students. Although these conversations can be difficult, they are important and I hope to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing and learning from one another.

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I found Ms. Park's Talking Chips Conversation Game an amazing resource to use in the classroom. This is perfect for small group discussions where you want everyone to participate. We would hold small group or partner discussions many times during Second Step lessons and using this system makes sure everyone gets a chance to speak their mind.

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Jennifer B.- 4th grade. According to Wes Moore's story, students have the freedom to become whatever they want. That they are not a product of the negative expectations around you. Education is key.

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I chose to watch the PBS Kids video about Race, Racism and Identity. I thought the part about acknowledging that we don't know everything is important, but more important to continue to have these conversations and learn/grow together through them. I can continue to have these types of conversations within the classroom, as well as outside of school in my personal life.

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One spark that I found was that people have different experiences that others do not experience. i believe we can have more conversations about diversity.

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This makes me think that all schools must do more to shorten the divide on opportunity. In public schools especially, the socioeconomic and family dynamics vary greatly and we as educators and administration must do more to make sure each student (and family) succeeds in this race called life.

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 The spark after watching the race was seeing the reaction of the kids who moved up as well as the ones who stayed behind.  I believe that more needs to be done for awareness.  

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 The spark after watching the race was seeing the reaction of the kids who moved up as well as the ones who stayed behind.  I believe that more needs to be done for awareness.  

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No matter how uncomfortable the conversation is, children need to be taught that no matter what someone looks like, the color of their skin, or where they come from does not mean they should be treated unfairly. Everyone is the same on the inside even if we look different on the outside. Seeing that video confirms my thinking because I have had the conversation wit my nieces who are mixed.

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Jennifer B. Wes Moore mentioned that education is key. This seems like a simple statement, but it's not always accessible to everyone. Also, that it's important for a child to have someone in their life that won't give up on them--whether it's a parent, teacher, etc.

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To challenge myself to having these hard but important conversations with friends that do not look like me

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While watching "The Race", I noticed how uncomfortable all the children seem.

When the students on the front line looked back, they saw other students that had not moved at all.

The student that were still standing on the first line seemed so uncomfortable as they were moving around and twitching.

This proves that more has to be done in our society and schools to make all these children feel less uncomfortable about all this!!

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It confirmed my thinking that we must grow through our discomfort.

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This spark confirmed my thinking because I know that race, racism, and identity are topics that may come-up in the classroom in relation to current events. These topics also connect to social-emotional learning and other academic subjects. Therefore, the PBS Kids video reinforced why it is important to speak openly about race, racism and identity with children and made me think more about what this means for me as an educator.

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It is imperative we need to embrace one another's differences, show compassion and be kind.  Our students need to know we are all from different backgrounds.  Everyone should be treated fairly, with respect and dignity.  This video showed a visual how opportunities are given to some and a head start with choices were already given.   Others must work so much harder to "win the race" and fight the fight.       Colleen

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Jennifer B. I've begun to understand that educating myself about our history, current events, etc. regarding ALL races is important.

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I will be working to understand the perspectives and experiences of different cultures and races through the resources provided.

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Anti-Asian Racism & Using names as cultural introductions

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Anti-Asian Racism & Using names as cultural introductions

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I recently purchased the book "The Name Jar" to read with my class. I took time to research ideas and plan a lesson on using the book to address the importance of pronouncing other people's names correctly. This book is especially timely since the girl in the story moves to America from Korea and feels different than her peers. It's important to continue to diversify our class libraries and read aloud books with our students to address cultural differences.

Jen Sicinski- 3rd grade

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I really enjoyed these resources! I look forward to looking into them further. Thank you!

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These resources were really informative and provided a lot of different ways to incorporate these topics in the classroom. I look forward to utilizing these resource with my kindergarten students.

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Public schools

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Watching the video, "The Race," was   an interesting exercise in learning about diverse backgrounds. It was heartbreaking to see the people that were left behind as the majority was moved forward because they had much better opportunities in life. It confirms my thinking that we need to change and give opportunities to all and have a chance at a good life.

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I enjoyed the suggested read aloud books from Raising Little Allies.  I will incorporate a few of them into our story time!

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I enjoyed the suggested read aloud books from Raising Little Allies.  I will incorporate a few of them into our story time!

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Nicole Delhagen K

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The National Museum of African American History and Culture had a very interesting section on the "Historical Foundations of Race", which discussed the modern meaning of the word "race" and how it came to existence. It sparked my thinking and a connection to "Frindle" with the idea that words have meanings that we attach to them over time. Realizing these meanings can be made to be positive or negative can help students understand the power and the meaning behind other words/phrases that they use, which may have changed in the past few years.

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I watched the PBS “Kids Talk About: Race, Racism, and Identity” video and was impressed with how each family discussed difficult, but important topics with their children.  Having age-appropriate conversations about race and racism is important.

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We need to start having those "uncomfortable conversations" with our children regardless of their age.

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Teaching young children about racism, we need as adults to show a caring responsiveness to there questions and educate now

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Teaching young children about racism, we need as adults to show a caring responsiveness to there questions and educate now

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Disability is more than just visible.
We have been conditioned to think of a disability as "bad"

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This spark helped confirm the notion that words always have more meaning than we necessarily seek to attribute to them. It is very easy to get lost in the intent of what we say vs. what comes across to others. It confirms that we must be mindful of what we say, do and react to, while also being compassionate for how our words and actions come across to others.

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PE - I didn't realize all of the racism that has happened to Asian Americans througout history, but also during the pandemic. The information has made me more aware of what has been happening.

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Although these conversations can be uncomfortable, they are important and need to occur when situations present themselves.

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A picture book that can be useful in discussing the power of words and the reactions they elicit could be "You are (not) Small", and others that can give students the opportunity to explore the impact words can have on others.

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Diversity is what makes us different from one another.  Disability is the largest minority in the world.  We need to be made aware before we can empathize.

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Diversity is what makes us different from one another.  Disability is the largest minority in the world.  We need to be made aware before we can empathize.

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Racism across all races and religions

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The conversations cannot start early enough the sooner the better.

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Even though the conversation may be uncomfortable they are important.

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This "spark" confirmed that it is important to have these "uncomfortable" discussions with our students. It is also important to know that there is no correct way to have these discussions or inform our students about this information

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Paraprofessional

In the video a comment was made
about overcoming disabilities "Diversity is being invited to the part but inclusion is being asked to dance..

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Incorporating historical mathematics and number origins in the curriculum to increase interest and help a diverse range of students see their cultural impact on the field. Also using given data to analyze disproportionalities in society and understand the larger story data tells.

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Would like to listen to some of the books mentioned and know whether they are appropriate to use or recommend for certain grade levels.

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I watched the first part of a recording of a session from a library conference.  It is called "The Trifecta of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training: Why, What, and How."  (I'm the K-6 librarian for the building.)

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I watched the first part of a recording of a session from a library conference.  It is called "The Trifecta of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training: Why, What, and How."  (I'm the K-6 librarian for the building.)

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One "spark" it gave me is to "uplift black joy" in books bought for the library -- to make sure books  in the collection deal not only with traumatic history, but also with stories of many genres that feature black characters.

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I watched the PBS Kids Talk. The spark was that we need to have these conversations with our children. We can't assume they are too young or not ready. Open communication early on is very important.

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I used to learning for justice website's lessons to find math 6-8 specific materials that could actually be used in my classroom. I have a hard time finding a way to incorporate cultural discussions into math and the website gave some great suggestions.

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It confirmed my thinking that the library collection needs to have many kinds of stories with characters/stories that are diverse.   

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It confirmed my thinking that the library collection needs to have many kinds of stories with characters/stories that are diverse.   

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A spark that I found was in the LGBTQ+ article. A major theme of it was acknowledging it as normal while adjusting our perceptions to include LGBTQ+ students. Being able to call a student by their preferred pronoun can be difficult based on their appearance, but committing to making the change in perception is crucial to including them in the classroom community and recognizing the student's individual identity.

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Just confirms the importance of communication.

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More book ideas are always helpful.

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My spark confirmed my thinking in regards to the self-identification of LGBTQ+ students. It is easy to stick to our preconceived assumptions towards our students, calling them boys or girls in everyday speech. Being able to acknowledge our mistakes in identification and build a gender-neutral classroom community is simple and incredibly important in regards to an inclusive classroom community.

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I would like to learn more about disability awareness.

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The spark was watching a group of individuals being held back because of choice they had no control over.

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Watching "The Race", I think we need to talk about race and diversity with our children in creative and informative ways like what they did in the video.

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Watched the Race Video - Many students start with an advantage while other's start with a disadvantage in life based on their home economic situation. The playing field is not equal for all and this most likely has nothing do do with anything the students can control for themselves

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Just because you seem to fit into a category does not mean the category fits you. I believe this but it was validating to read it.

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Just because you seem to fit into a category does not mean the category fits you. I believe this but it was validating to read it.

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The book "Something Happened in Our Town" is a great example of what children can do to help others who are being treated unfairly. This book shows children that they can be an important part in making a change. This book is an excellent way to start a conversation with the students in my classroom about difficult topics such as antiracism.

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Including the personal experiences of students who have experienced racial/LGBTQ+ discrimination or issues within the education system.

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The book "Something Happened in Our Town" reminded me that there are many books for young students that are relevant and can help talk about difficult concepts that we need to address in our classrooms.

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I saw Tyler Perry's Speech this week and thought it sent a powerful message about refusing hate and working together for change. I shared it with my classes and we had a discussion about it, and tied it into my lesson/story of the week, "Any Small Goodness."

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Confirms my belief that we all need to meet in the middle, work together, and point the finger at ourselves, not others.

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Tyler Perry's speech. Short but powerful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpmWmak8pss&t=1s

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I watched/read "Learning for Justice". A spark for me was the emphasis on school being a place where ALL students can thrive and that we need to learn from one another and with one another. For me, this confirms building a classroom environment of respect and acceptance. Learning about periods from our history also means discussing the with an open mind the many racial injustices that occurred and current issues.

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Cathy Truesdell Gr 5
Even though all of our students come to Nash, they all start at different levels or advantages or challenges. Knowing their backgrounds will help us to understand where they are coming from and where they need to get to.

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Knowing their backgrounds will help us to understand where they are coming from and where they need to get to. We need to know their background and "where they are coming from" in order to help them achieve and "catch up". We teachers need to be their role models and their cheerleaders!