Equity and Diversity Newsletter
Elementary Edition April 2021
Support The Asian American Community
About this time last year, I shared an article about anti-Asian American violence due to Covid-19 being blamed on those of Asian ethnicity. This rhetoric has exacerbated anti-Asian racism which has persisted for centuries. Anyone who appears to be Chinese has felt a heightened sense of fear as violence has escalated in the United States.
Anti-Asian American violence is on the rise in the United States and we need to make having appropriate conversations around anti-racism a priority. This conversation is vitally necessary so our students can better understand the complexity of the situation.
When we talk to our children we should focus on not stereotyping Asians, including the stereotypes that are centered around covid-19, intelligence, and work ethic. We need to provide accurate historical information which is important for children to know so they will realize that racism did not start with Covid-19, though Covid-19 certainly has reignited the fears of those of Asian descent.
Let them know that there were periods in history, such as Japanese internment during World War 2 where Asians were seen as outsiders. It is important for our students to be a part of the solution, to speak up when they see someone being treated unfairly and protect those who have less power than they do. And if someday they become a victim, hopefully, someone will do the same for them.
How can we help? We can help our Asian community by being an ally and amplifying our voices. If we see a hate crime we need to report it. If there is anything we can do to help the victim we should do it. These attacks will continue if we just stand by and do nothing. Los Angeles County internist Jen Tang, MD states that "Regardless of whether racism is directed at us or others, our message as parents (and I would like to add educators) is the same: It is always wrong to judge or mistreat others simply because they do not conform to the majority in power.”
Russell, Tonya. “Here's How You Can Teach Your Kids to Be Allies for Asian Americans.” Verywell Family, 24 Mar. 2021, www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-anti-asian-racism-5116961.
What's In Your Tool Box?
California-based Psychotherapist Leisha Borja, MA, LMFT, CCTP
has shared these tips for teaching non-Asian children tolerance.
- Have those hard discussions about racism, starting with what’s been happening now. Asians are being treated differently because they are being blamed for the virus. Explain the reasons that this is not okay.
- Roleplay with children ways to respond when they see racism happening.
- Be curious about their thoughts, answer the questions they have, and know it’s okay to not have all the answers.
Did You Know?
Each year the month of April is set aside as National Poetry Month, a time to celebrate poets and their craft. The goals of National Poetry Month are to highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets, encourage the reading of poems, and assist teachers in bringing poetry into their classrooms.
Library Corner
Honey I Love
Honey, I Love by Eloise Greenfield was first published in 1978 in Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems, Eloise Greenfield reminded us that love can be found just about anywhere. Now, twenty-five years later, she and celebrated children's book artist Jan Spivey Gilchrist present a stunning, newly illustrated anniversary edition that invites readers to celebrate the simple joys of loving and living. After listening to this love poem it would be a good time to engage your students in writing their own poetry about what they love in their lives.
Reading With Ms. Gwen
I will be reading The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi and a few poems from Honey I Love by Eloise Greenfield for third - 5th graders and I Promise by Lebron James for K-2nd. I am looking forward to hearing from you. I would love to read to your class in person but due to Covid-19, I am reading via zoom. Contact me at gmarshall@spsmail.org to schedule a date. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Last month I received some wonderful responses from a class that I read The Ruby Bridges Story to. However, I have one problem they did not share with me what class sent them to me and I would love to answer all the questions they ask me. So if that was your class please let me know. Thanks in advance Ms. Gwen.