Talking with children about difficult topics. like bias, race, and hate can be challenging. We are sharing a few supports for families and staff to engage in this dialogue below. Glenn Singleton refers to four agreements of courageous conversations, which are briefly outlined below.
The Four Agreements of Courageous Conversations
- Stay engaged: Staying engaged means “remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually, and relationally involved in the dialogue” (p. 71).
- Speak your truth: This means being open about thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear.
- Experience discomfort: This norm acknowledges that discomfort is inevitable, especially, in dialogue about race, and that participants make a commitment to bring issues into the open. It is not talking about these issues that create divisiveness. The divisiveness already exists in society and in our schools. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, the healing and change begin.
- Expect and accept nonclosure: This agreement asks participants to “hang out in uncertainty” and not rush to quick solutions, especially in relation to racial understanding, which requires ongoing dialogue.
Adapted from: Singleton, G.E. (2015). Courageous Conversations about Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Family Resources:
Race and Racism
Bias
Hate
Anti-Semitism
Anti-Asian Sentiment
Bystander/Upstander Resources
Staff Resources:
Classroom Resources and Tips to Address Anti-Asian Discrimination
NEA Racial Justice in Education Guide
Words to Action: Empowering Students to Address Anti-Semitism
Creating an Anti-Bias Learning Environment
ADL- Challenging Biased Language
ADL- Helping Children Make Sense of News Stories About Bias and Injustice
ADL- Confronting Hate Online
FH: The Roots and Impact of Anti-Semitism
FH: Overview of Anti-Judaism and Anti-Semitism
TT: Addressing Anti-Semitic Hate with Students
ADL- Anti-Semitic Incidents: Being an Ally, Advocate, and Activist
TT: 2020 Hate at School Report
USHMM- Teaching about Anti-Semitism
TT- Speak Up At School Pocket Guide