#ISLECISLoft: How To Talk to Kids About Race: Racial Literacy in the Early & Elementary Years
#ISLECISLoft: How To Talk to Kids About Race: Racial Literacy in the Early & Elementary Years
14 October | 17:00 (London time)
Session Description & Objectives
Children are curious. They notice and talk about race as early as 2.5 years old..
Discussing race with young children may feel uncomfortable or even challenging — but it’s not only possible, it’s essential. When adults support students in exploring race and identity in age-appropriate ways, we help them build empathy, connection, and the ability and confidence to stand up to injustices and work towards a more inclusive future.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to bring a positive, affirming lens on race into your classroom and school community. You’ll gain practical tools, language, and strategies to strengthen your own racial literacy — and support your students’ identity development and sense of belonging.
Together, we’ll explore:
- How young children perceive and talk about race
- How to respond to questions, comments and behaviours with care and clarity
- What race is (and isn’t) — and why developing racial literacy matters in education
- How identity and belonging are shaped by race — backed by neuroscience and lived experience
- Tangible classroom strategies and resources to interrupt bias and nurture inclusion
Key Takeaways
- Explore the Nuances Around Talking About Race with Young Learners
- Learn language and strategies to navigate conversations about race in ways that are age-appropriate, humanizing, and affirming
- Stronger Racial Literacy
- Gain a clearer understanding of what race is (and isn’t) and why this knowledge is essential in education
- Interrupt Bias & Foster Inclusion
- Review dispositions that support positive identity development and create a foundation for belonging
- Resources & Next Steps
- Reflect on your own practice and role as an educator, consider and identify next steps to take action
Facilitators
Loretta Fernando-Smith
Loretta is an educator with more than 25 years of experience in international schools. She grew up between cultures, moving several times during her childhood. She is also the mother of two multi-racial, Cross Culture Kids. Her experiences of straddling several cultures as a child, adult, parent and educator have made her aware of how people negotiate belonging in different spaces. This tension drives her curiosity, inquiry and research into belonging. Loretta is currently the Associate Principal and Curriculum Coordinator at Frankfurt International School (Wiesbaden Campus).
Links
Monique Vogelsang
Monique Vogelsang is an educational leader, curriculum developer, and consultant with over 20 years of experience. Earning an undergraduate degree in Black Studies and a Master’s in Teaching, Monique began her career with Teach For America. She has since worked in both public and independent schools, as well as nonprofits, where she has developed curricula to expand historical and cultural awareness. Her curriculum, including a groundbreaking K-8 Racial Literacy program, has reached over 10,000 educators worldwide. Monique also co-authored the first U.S. antiracist Social Studies State Standards, which were adopted in Washington, D.C., and authored an arts-based curriculum for the global Humanae project. As a speaker and consultant, Monique has collaborated with over 100 schools worldwide. Recently, she founded Humanizing History™, a nonprofit that leverages social studies and STEAM content to inspire educators and families to engage children in conversations about race, culture, identity, and our collective human story — fostering empathy, debunking stereotypes, and building connections.
Links