Listening for Children’s Voices Beyond Black History Month

February is Black History Month in Canada and this year’s theme is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” The government of Canada’s website highlights notable Black adults in Canada who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity. The synopses of their contributions to Canada and the world are inspiring.

As teachers we anticipate that young children will relate to the experiences, courage, determination, and achievements of Black adults – that children of all cultural backgrounds will respect, admire and learn from them. But exactly how do we ‘uplift future generations’ with these ideals when we work with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten children?  How do we engage the voices of children about these big ideas when they can only make sense of their world by building on the experiences they are living?

Children absorb beliefs about race long before they start school, and long before adults are consciously aware of the racial biases children internalize. Adults and educators have a great responsibility to listen to and invite children into conversations and experiences that empower them to become creators and leaders within a caring community – where Black lives matter.

But how do we do this? How do we engage in explorations of identity, diversity, justice, and activism with children who haven’t yet learned the vocabulary to talk about these big ideas? How do we unravel our own biases to help children think with a sense of openness and care for one another?

I invite you to find inspiration by exploring the experiences, insights and reflections of others: