Talking About Racism and Violence: Resources for Educators and Families

Girl looking at camera

The following resources can help promote deeper understanding around the issues of racism and violence. They also can contribute to discussion of these topics with colleagues and students during this difficult time, even at a distance.

What's on This Page

This resource page includes the following topics:

Note: If you are connecting with your students remotely, this resource guide for virtual circles of concern offers tips for managing conversations about difficult topics in distance learning settings.


Talking About Violence in the News

Being sensitive to trauma

Discussion of the following topics may be traumatic for students. Educators are encouraged to seek guidance in trauma-informed practices in preparation for discussions related to these topics. Learn more from these resources and those below.

Understanding the impact of racism and violence on mental health

Tips for talking about violence

Talking about tough topics in the news


Lesson Plans and Classroom Resources

Discussion guides and lessons for educators

PBS NewsHour Classroom / Share My Lesson

See additional lessons related to Social Issues from NewsHour Classroom.

Other recommended resources

Classroom resources: Racism and violence

Teaching about racial justice

Classroom resources: Historical events and perspectives

1619 Project

Tulsa Race Massacre: 1921

Lesson plans

Articles and blogs

Teaching about Juneteenth

Multimedia / social media

Talking About Race (National Museum of African American History and Culture)

The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture has just launched Talking About Race, a new online portal designed to help individuals, families, and communities talk about racism, racial identity and the way these forces shape every aspect of society, from the economy and politics to the broader American culture. The online portal provides digital tools, online exercises, video instructions, scholarly articles and more than 100 multi-media resources tailored for educators, parents and caregivers—and individuals committed to racial equality. The museum moved up the launch date due to the number of racially charged incidents in recent weeks.

Culturally responsive practice

This collection of culturally responsive resources include a wide range of topics related to honoring students' identities and experiences, addressing bias in schools and classrooms, and digging into the hard work of personal reflection and action.


Addressing Bias and Racism in Schools

Responding to racism in school communities

Reflecting on perspective

Learning for Justice Resources

Jane Elliott's "Blue eye/brown eye" exercise

Video

 


Teaching About Social Justice

Learning for Justice

Edutopia

National Education Association

More recommended resources


Resources for Families: Talking About Racism

Guides and tips

Bilingual resources

Talking about current events


Recommended Reading

Books for students

Talking about race

Booklists

Books for Young People

Guidance on Choosing and Using Books

Racial injustice and violence

These books can serve as powerful mirrors and windows alike. While the majority of these books are written for a young adult audience, the first book is written for children. These books can also provide valuable perspectives for adults.

Read more in the following:

Finding diverse books: Mirrors and windows

Curated collections

Books and resources for adults

Race and education

See more titles in this Race and Education booklist from Social Justice Books.

Race and racism

Books

See more in:

Additional resources