Resources for Parents/Caregivers

There are difficult conversations families need to have with children based around different forms of oppression. Although these conversations are difficult, it is essential to have them proactively to support children with creating an accepting worldview. The following articles will help support families with speaking to children about racism and how to be anti-racist.

Books for parents/caregivers to read with kids

Accurate representation in books is important for many reasons including the following:

Children are able to see someone who looks like them in media
Children are able to see how other people live
Children can experience new cultures

It is important to emphasize the word “accurate” as stereotypes are detrimental to achieving the goals of representation in books. When people learn more about others, they become more accepting and are able to embrace diversity. Sharing books that show people of all different races, genders, families, and more, shows the true beauty of a diverse world.

Please see the attached document with books that have diverse representation from equity-deserving groups and Indigenous communities.

Decolonization and Reconciliation

Conversations about Residential Schools

The tragedy of the Indian residential school system is a part of Canadian history. Canadians have a responsibility to share the truth about this dark part of history to honour the survivors and remember those who did not make it home. The following supports can be used as a guide in having this important conversation with young children.

How to Talk to Kids about Residential Schools

Monique Gray Smith – Talking to Kids About Residential Schools (YouTube)

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day. This day acknowledges the painful part of Canadian history when Indigenous children were taken away from their families and forced into Indian residential schools. On this day, children and people around Canada wear an orange shirt as a reminder that Every Child Matters. These conversations are difficult and must happen in order for reconciliation to take place.

How to talk to kids about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

References

“The Educators’ Toolkit.” Parents of Black Children. https://parentsofblackchildren.org/the-toolkit/.
“Practice Guideline – Diversity and Culture.” CECE College of ECE.https://www.college-ece.ca/en/Documents/Practice_Guideline_Diversity_Culture.pdf, October 2020.
Gay, Geneva. “Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, Research, and Practice.” New York: Teachers College Press. 2010