Inspiration
Preschool Teacher Suggests Books For Students in Her Viral Antiracism Tweet
Read about the tweet by Brittany Smith a preschool teacher that went viral overnight
#BlackLivesMatter is not just a trending hashtag but also the reality of the world. Racism has been a major pullback which the society and those who care have been trying to eradicate. Many of those inquiring minds are turning to books, so did Brittany Smith, a pre-kindergarten teacher in New Jersey, when she shared a list on Twitter of her recommended reading materials to teach children about race and racism.
Her viral tweet has received more than 4,00,000+ likes so far, taking Smith by surprise. She told TIME, “While I personally thought the conversation was necessary, I had no idea it would go viral the way it did, and in such a short period of time.”
The pre-kindergarten teacher hopes with all her heart that her tweet may help parents, educators, administrators, and institutions to recognize the importance of representation and promoting diversity in school and also at home.
“We want to raise a conscientious generation, and to do that, we need to be mindful of what we’re teaching them as children,” she says. According to Smith, apart from books, playing with diverse dolls, trying new food from various cultures, and visiting museums to expose kids to different social environments can also help promote inclusion among the younger ones.
Here are some of the books from Smith’s reading list:
Lailah's Lunchbox
by Reem Faruqi
Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom.
When I Was Eight
by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton and complemented by stunning illustrations, 'When I Was Eight' makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to younger readers. Now they, too, can meet this remarkable girl who reminds us what power we hold when we can read.
Happy in Our Skin
by Fran Manushkin
In this picture book for young children, the author celebrates the different aspects of skin. It has many tones, from "cocoa brown," to "peaches and cream," and sometimes distinguishing features like freckles, birthmarks, or dimples, explains Fran.
Shining Star
by Paul Yoo
Anna May Wong story was the first Chinese American movie star, a pioneer in herself. Her spirited determination in the face of discrimination is an inspiration to all who must overcome obstacles so that their dreams may come true.
In case, you're looking for more books that teach children about embracing every race and colour, here are some suggestions by ScooNews:
This Book Is Anti-Racist
by Tiffany Jewell
The author is an anti-bias, anti-racist educator and activist, who builds solidarity beginning with the language she writes in – by choosing gender-neutral words to honour everyone who reads the book.
One Colorful Wish
by ColorChi, Alicia James
It's a colourful children's anti-racist book full of animal images and rhymed sentences. It's a powerful way to teach your child about loving people who appear different.
Kids And Anti-Racism
by Samantha J. Richardson
The book talks about how preschoolers indicate most interest in physical characteristics of themselves and others and that their second area of interest is cultural characteristics that are readily observable, such as language and dress. Many of their comments are in the form of matter-of-fact observations. This book also helps the parents to satiate their curiosity in the correct manner.
Anti-Racism Starts With Me
by Kadeesha Bryant
The author, being a community educator, has created a unique colouring book that mixes creative fun with powerful messages of hope and understanding. Every page contains hand-drawn illustrations to colour as well as words of wisdom on overcoming prejudice and bridging divides in the society.
All books mentioned are available on Amazon.
Please write to us with more book suggestions at editor@scoonews.com