We want to address the protests that are currently happening in the US, and around the world. At ISB, we believe in teaching the values of care and integrity; and, we also believe in actively teaching anti-racism, and supporting children to understand their privilege. This is not easy work. All of our students and families deserve to feel seen and represented.
We are committed to educating families and sharing resources. Students (and you, as parents) might be feeling a variety of emotions. Here are some talking points that our counseling team has put together to support you:
- Acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. Share your own feelings. Parents may avoid the conversation because they do not know what to say or don’t want to make a mistake, but remaining silent because it is uncomfortable is not helpful.
- Say something – Age-appropriate explanation is better than silence or avoidance. Without guidance to develop a framework for understanding, children will draw their own conclusions that may not be based in fact.
- Be open and honest – some people get treated unfairly based on their skin color, culture, or religion. By doing this, we help prepare them to challenge these issues when they arise. Share your own feelings with your child.
- Model it – Talking to students about the importance of embracing differences and treating others with respect is essential, but it’s not enough. Acknowledge differences and emphasize the positive aspects of our differences. Remember silence indicates acceptance.
- Do something – Take a stand when you witness injustice. This is the time to help our children grow into adults who value and honor diversity.
- Encourage activism – Promote ways for your family to get involved in causes you care about.
- Monitor media consumption and be aware of conversations in front of children.
A great article for talking about race with your children is linked here.
As well, here is a list of books that are available for checkout from the HUB through the lens of diversity and inclusion. Currently, the HUB team is working to pack up the library for renovation, but Nat is working to ensure many of these books will be available to check-out over the summer.
Here is a list of digital texts, curated by Epic, to start a conversation about race.