Teaching About Racism: Anti-Racism Resources for Teachers
As a publisher, we recognize our responsibility to use the power of education to bring about positive change. We commit ourselves anew to that responsibility and to promoting a just society in which all persons are equally valued and respected.
Below are some of our free printable resources that support educational efforts for change.
Ruby Bridges Lesson– Comparing Firsthand & Secondhand Accounts, Grades 4+
Its only been 60 years since the desegregation crisis. With this 4-day lesson plan, students will compare and contrast firsthand and secondhand accounts of Ruby Bridges' experiences as the first African American to attend what was once an all-white school.
"I Have a Dream" Close Reading Kit, Grades 3+
Use Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to work on close reading concepts in your classroom! This kit includes resources that will help students annotate with a purpose, analyze author’s word choice and text structure, and gain a deeper understanding of the first 10 paragraphs of Dr. King’s speech.
Interactive Read Aloud: White Socks Only by Evelyn Coleman, Grades K–5
In segregated Mississippi, a young girl thinks she can drink from a fountain marked “Whites Only” because she is wearing white socks. Use this Interactive Read Aloud to discuss this book that deals with the issue of racism in a way that young children can understand. It makes the idea of judging people by the color of their skin almost as foolish as judging people by the color of their socks.
Interactive Read Aloud: Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh, Grades K–5
Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. The supportive Interactive Read Aloud for this book helps students understand the Mendez family campaign to demand equal education for all children and shines light on a true story of Latinos fighting for social justice to young readers.
Interactive Read Aloud: The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, Grades K–5
There is a fence that separates the white side of town from the black side of town. Clover has always wondered why it was there. One day, Annie climbs over the fence and introduces herself to Clover. An unlikely friendship develops... Help students understand this picture book by using the accompanying Interactive Read Aloud resource as you read about the confusion children experience when they witness racism or racial tensions.
Interactive Read Aloud: Freedom On The Menu, The Greensboro Sit-Ins by Carole Boston Weatherford, Grades K–5
There were signs all throughout town telling eight-year-old Connie where she could and could not go. But when Connie sees four young men take a stand for equal rights at a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, she realizes that things may soon change. Using the Interactive Read Aloud as you read this powerful story can help teach students that social injustices can be changed in through activism, protests, and working together!
Interactive Read Aloud: Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez by Katheleen Krull, Grades K–5
Use this supportive resource with the story that explores the life of Cesar Chavez, one of America's most inspiring civil rights leaders. His family worked in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar worked hard to help provide for his family even though the farm landowners mistreated their workers and paid very little. Cesar wanted things to change. So he took charge. He improved the lives of thousands of migrant farm workers, when he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California. Cesar spoke up, and through his words and actions made a difference. This book shows that one person can stand up and create drastic change through peaceful protest.
Interactive Read Aloud: Little Melba and Her Big Trombone by Katheryn Russel-Brown, Grades K–5
By the time she was a teenager, Melba Doretta Liston’s extraordinary gift for music led her to the world of jazz. Overcoming obstacles of race and gender, Melba went on to become a famed trombone player and arranger, spinning rhythms, harmonies, and melodies into gorgeous songs for all the jazz greats of the twentieth century. The Interactive Read Aloud helps you discuss this true story of one of the most famous jazz musicians ever and explore themes such as racial prejudice, gender prejudice, poverty, and perseverance!
Interactive Read Aloud: The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi, Grades K–5
Unhei has just moved to America from Korea. She is embarrassed to tell her new classmates her name, so she tells them she will pick a name by the end of the week. The kids in her class try to help her out by filling a glass jar with names. On the day she is about to reveal her name, the jar disappears, and encouraged by her new friends, Unhei decides to keep her Korean name. This Interactive Read Aloud is the perfect activity to segue into lessons and discussions that celebrate our differences!
