Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Literature (Cont)

Introducing topics of inclusion and belonging can be challenging. The truth is often hard for children to understand, especially when considering truth and reconciliation for our Indigenous communities. It is important that this information is shared with our children, however, we must share this information in a manner that they will understand.

When considering introducing literature about the history of the residential schools try a simple picture walk.

What does this look like?

For younger children, a picture can be stronger than any words that accompany it. Open the book, and page by page, present the children with the picture and ask them what they see.

Tips and tricks:

Talking about the environment of the photos can open up some really interesting discussion.

Draw their attention to the images of the people. Ask the children how they feel.

If they indicate that they are sad, lets start to think about why.

Use language that they understand, without downplaying the severity of the history. These events are important to our history as citizens. Children are competent citizens, they have a right to know our history and grown into adults who will truly understand the power of reconciliation.

Why are they scared? a stranger came to their house and took them to live at a school. The police said that they had to go with the stranger and they would be safe, but they were not safe when they got there. The teacher were very mean and the hurt them.

Why were they sad? They were not allowed to be who they were, they had to be the same as everyone else, even though it was not what they wanted or what they understood.

They were not allowed to see their moms and dads anymore. They had to live in the school. They were not allowed to wear their favorite clothes, or speak their language or see their family. There were no grown ups to love them, to hg them, to help them at this school.

Keeping it simple, so they understand, but relevant, so they know the history, is key to introducing subjects around equity.

What do you do when you don't know how to answer a question?

remember, it is OK not to have all the answers. We are co-learners with our children. research it together. Make a list of "I wonder questions" and reflect on how to address them after you have had a chance to reflect.

When in doubt, the truth will set you free. Tell them the truth, but be cognizant of their ability to process this information depending on cognitive appropriateness, using your knowledge of your children's abilities and common sense.

Example: While a preschooler would not be capable of processing the information that a child their age was beaten, molested, tortured, starved and even murdered, (and this is not appropriate subject matter for a child their age) they can understand feelings of sadness, loneliness, missing their family and self worth.

This is an especially tricky subject to broach.

Do your research. Investigate the literature, prepare for the questions that may arise, BUT offer it! Offer this literature to your children and allow the conversations to happen in an authentic way.