In the PBS KIDS Talk About: Race & Racism special, hosted by the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, PBS KIDS spoke with real families and had conversations about racial identity, anti-Black racism, and how it is incumbent on all of us — children and parents alike — to actively work towards building a more equitable society.

To do this, families can start by using our voices to celebrate our similarities and differences, talking and asking questions about racism, and standing up for ourselves and each other when we see someone being treated unfairly. This is how we start to make things more fair for everyone.

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The resources are provided to inspire and support both teachers and young students as they begin to explore the meaning of racial justice and advocacy. Teachers will reflect on their personal journeys before presenting and examining this content with their students. The goal is to provide teachers with a path, filled with resources and reflection tools, as they work to create an equitable classroom community that honors students' voices in classroom decisions.

The three lessons herein, were created to support the special, PBS KIDS Talk About: Race and Racism which addresses topics like race, racial justice and ‘good trouble.’ The program is divided in three parts and can launch each lesson. It is important to frame, pause, and discuss each of the clips. We recommend dedicating three 90-minute blocks as well as time spent on the culminating activity.

Learning Objectives:

1. Teachers will implement lessons and develop classroom routines that align to anti-racist practices and which promote advocacy.
2. Students will co-view and react to media that addresses anti-racist content.
3. Students will develop expressive language as they learn to advocate for themselves and others.