Watch a read-aloud of the story, Sulwe, which depicts a little girl who struggles to accept the color of her skin but throughout her journey, she embraces it and learns to love herself. In the video, your child(ren) will recite positive affirmations that embrace their uniqueness. Allow your child(ren) the time to list things they love about themselves and either help them or have them write it down (if they can). Additionally, think of a symbol that represents something that makes them happy and would in turn bring joy to others just by seeing it, for example, a heart. What feelings resonate when you bring joy to others?
Learn about three strong black leaders: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, and Ruby Bridges, and be inspired by their bravery and how it has shaped history for us today. Travel back in time and learn about how Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges stood up for themselves and made a brave choice in the fight for equality. Watch a read-aloud of the book I Am Brave, focusing on Martin Luther King Jr. and learning how he became an advocate for equality. Engage your child(ren) in a discussion about the importance of standing up for yourself and your beliefs. Together, think about what bravery means for your little one and what are some examples of being brave.
Watch a read-aloud of the book Colors of Us, which showcases people of many different skin colors. The first activity invites us to observe two similarly-looking apples. One apple gets spoken to positively while the other one gets spoken to negatively. Upon cutting the apple, your child(ren) will realize that the apple that was spoken to negatively will be bruised up on the inside which is a clear depiction of how we feel when we are spoken to unkindly. Invite your child(ren) to think of ways they can be kind to others – things you can say and do. Write those things down on a strip of paper and chain them together. All the positive things we say and do to others help us build connections and make us stronger as a society.
Watch a read-aloud of the story, Maybe Something Beautiful which depicts a little girl who uses art as a way to bring her community together. With the help of a muralist, they transform her neighborhood from dreary gray concrete to a vibrant space filled with color sparking joy among those who live there. An activity that can be paired with the story is the creation of a mural sketch using different materials, shapes, and drawing utensils. Remind your child(ren) that a mural can oftentimes showcase diversity in art and in the way it’s created.
Watch a read-aloud of the story, Sofia Valdez, Future Prez which is a story about a little girl who becomes an active member in her community while trying to clean up an area in her neighborhood and make it into a park that everyone can use and enjoy. In this video, you’ll see different examples of kid activists and explore why it’s important to stand up for what you believe in. After reading, create a symbol with your child(ren). Have your child(ren) think of an issue that is important to them and then create a symbol that is representative of the issue or problem that your young activist aims to change.
Watch a read-aloud of the story, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, a poem about being brave and courageous. After reading the poem, come up with a few affirmations that your child(ren) can use as positive self-talk during moments they might feel frightened. Talk about the importance of believing in oneself and the effect that positive self-talk has on you. In order to empower your child(ren) further, use recyclable materials to make a majestic crown that can manifest your child(ren)’s greatness. Using simple materials like cardboard, gems, stickers, drawing materials, and ribbon, decorate the crown together, place it on their head, and allow them to see themselves in all their greatness.
Watch a read-aloud of the story, Pepe and the Parade: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage. Join Pepe as he embraces different Hispanic cultures while at the parade. Allow your child(ren) to see the beauty in diversity among friends. Have your child(ren) create their own flag to be used as a representation of your little one – whether it be a cultural representation or one representative of your child(ren)’s interests. Using recyclables or paper, create or draw a flag. Add shapes and colors and allow them to design a flag that they are proud and happy to wave.
