Many people debate about when it’s the “right” time to talk to kids about racism but some don’t have that luxury. With nationwide protests against police brutality and racism, it’s more important than ever to talk to children about racism. THe following anti-racism videos are available to help parents navigate conversations they often find difficult.
From breaking down terms into kid-friendly descriptions to engaging in read-alouds, these videos can be essential to anti-racism conversations with kids.
Essential Terms Explained: Privilege, Discrimination, Systemic Racism
“Students Learn a Powerful Lesson About Privilege” by Buzzfeed
Using a recycling bin and scrap paper, this video displays a powerful exercise to teach students about privilege.
“Discrimination Explained for Kids” by Pop’n’Olly
Pop’n’Olly helps break down discrimination and how it applies to race, gender, sexuality, and personal beliefs. The video provides multiple kid-friendly examples of what discrimination could look like.
“Let’s Talk About Race” by The Tutu Teacher
Vera Ahiyya, known as The Tutu Teacher on YouTube, created this video for her kindergarten students to “discuss what racism is and how it’s impacted the lives of Black and Brown people.” She talks about racism in a way that is still digestible for a younger audience and reads Julius Lester’s Let’s Talk About Race.
“Systemic Racism Explained” by act.tv
Kids may be hearing the term “systemic racism” in conversations about today’s current events and not know anything about the term. This video breaks down systemic racism and how it affects all areas of life, from education to wealth. The video also outlines what viewers can do themselves, including challenging their implicit biases.
Read-Alouds for Kids
Wings by Christopher Myers
This video features a read-aloud of Wings by author/illustrator Christopher Myers. The video is complete with reading strategies, resources, and tips for parents that hope to initiate conversations with their kids.
A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
This read-aloud is of a book about racism, written by someone who is biracial. The book helps explains racism to kids, how it makes people who experience racism feel, and how to identify racism when it’s happening.
Related Stories — Anti Racism Resources
Talking to Kids about Implicit Racial Bias
How Race and Ethnicity Impact Child Development
