What Is Race? | How To Talk To Kids About Identity And Race | Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids

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In this Circle Time lesson, Caroline and her friend Sophie introduce the concepts of race, racism, and bias, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone fairly and recognizing our unique identities. They read a story about a T-Rex who learns to embrace his differences and engage in Show and Tell, showcasing the diversity of friends from around the world. The lesson encourages children to appreciate individuality and speak up against unfair treatment.
  1. What does it mean to treat everyone fairly, no matter what they look like?
  2. Can you think of a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly? What did you do?
  3. Why is it important to learn about our friends’ different backgrounds and identities?

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Welcome to Circle Time!

Hello, friends! I’m Caroline from the Khan Academy Kids Team. Welcome to Circle Time! I’m so excited to be with you today. During Circle Time, we read stories, do activities, and even have Show and Tell with our friends. Today, I’m here with my friend Sophie. Hi, Sophie!

Meet Our Special Guests

Today, we have two special visitors: Teacher Naomi and Noah. They are going to talk to us about people and race. Have you heard the word “race” before?

Understanding Race

Teacher Naomi explains that race is a way people are grouped based on things like skin color, hair color, and height. Scientists and society use these groups to understand people better. While it’s okay to be in different groups, sometimes people use these groups to treat others unfairly, which is called racism.

What is Racism?

Racism is when people make bad choices and treat others unfairly because of their race. If you see someone being racist, you can speak up and say, “That’s not okay.” It’s important to get to know people for who they are, not just by their appearance.

Understanding Bias

We all have something called bias, which are little thoughts in our heads that affect how we think about things. Sometimes, bias can make us like or dislike someone based on their skin color without even realizing it. It’s important to be aware of our biases and make sure they don’t affect how we treat others.

Learning About Identity

Our identity is made up of many things, like our family, culture, and traditions. For example, Sophie is from Australia, and I am Chinese American. We both speak English but with different accents. Our identity is unique to each of us and is shaped by the groups we belong to.

Story Time: Got to Be Me

We read a story about a T-Rex who loves quiet things like reading and looking at stars. Even though other T-Rexes like to roar and stomp, T-Rex learns it’s okay to be different and be himself. It’s important to be good at being yourself and to get to know others for who they are.

Show and Tell

During Show and Tell, we shared photos from friends around the world, like Aaradhya from Nepal and Anna from Scotland. It’s amazing to see how diverse we all are and how we’re connected through Circle Time.

Goodbye for Now

Thank you for joining us for Circle Time! We loved having you here. Goodbye for now from Caroline, Sophie, and the Khan Academy Kids Team. See you next time!

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  • What are some things that make you unique and special? Can you share a story about a time when you felt proud of being yourself?
  • Have you ever met someone from a different place or culture? What did you learn from them, and how did it make you feel?
  • Why do you think it’s important to treat everyone fairly, no matter what they look like or where they come from? Can you think of a way to be kind to someone who is different from you?
  1. Colorful Identity Collage: Gather some magazines, colored paper, and other craft supplies. Create a collage that represents your identity. Include pictures or drawings of things that are important to you, like your family, favorite foods, or hobbies. Share your collage with a friend or family member and explain why you chose each item. This activity helps you think about what makes you unique and how your identity is shaped by different aspects of your life.
  2. Story Swap: Pair up with a friend or family member and take turns telling each other a story about a time you felt different or unique. It could be about a special tradition your family has or a time you tried something new. After sharing, discuss how being different can be a good thing and how it helps us learn from each other. This activity encourages you to appreciate diversity and understand that everyone has their own story.
  3. Observation Walk: Go on a walk around your neighborhood or a local park with an adult. As you walk, observe the people you see and the different ways they express their identity, such as through clothing, hairstyles, or activities. Talk about the diversity you notice and how it makes your community interesting and vibrant. This activity helps you recognize and appreciate the variety of identities around you in everyday life.

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