Anti-racist Montessori resources
Jun 10, 2020 - Recommendations - By Carine Robin
Our children are the adults of tomorrow.
I believe that parenting and education is the pathway for a better world.
I believe that I have a responsibility to raise respectful children who are not only non-racist but are also able to fight injustice and speak up when they see unfairness in their community.
Last week, the death of George Floyd horrified me but did not surprise me. It is sad and it is infuriating that people are dying and suffering because racism is still around.
Last week, like many on Social Media and I’m sure many of you in your personal lives, I have listened, I have shared and amplified BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) voices on my Social Media.
I have been sharing when relevant for as long as I have been on Social Media.
I intend to keep doing so.
I love discovering new accounts, I love learning from other faiths, from other countries and from other cultures.
But last week, it was on another level. I shared more about anti-racism resources and how to talk to your children about the past week’s events.
The way I talk to children will always be guided by my knowledge as a child psychologist and as a Montessori teacher, but I am happy to face my bias and stereotypes. I am sure we all have some. Some parents are worried that they have just started to be aware of the current issues. But I would say this, start now! Start with some changes. Start with what you can do right now.
I have compiled all the links I have shared on Instagram and Facebook in this blog post, making it easy to come back to. In the Facebook group, we have a Unit with resources and the member’s questions.
If you want to add any other resources, let me know.
I hope that no matter, who you are, your colour skin, your religion, your origin, or your gender, you have always felt included and respected by me. It is my full aim to be inclusive on my platforms.
Resources
This book is Anti-racist by Tiffany Jewell.
Tiffany Jewell is also a Montessori teacher.
Her website: https://www.anti-biasmontessori.com/
Should you talk about the murder of Georges Floyd to your 5 year old?
This 20-minute Instagram live with Britt Hawthorne is very instructive. She explains clearly what an under 6 year old is able to understand and how you could approach violence with them. Warning: it's not a clear cut answer.
Are your kids too young to talk about race series
From @theconsciouskids on Instagram.
Children community school graphic
The above graphic was made by The Children community school who did the research.
Anti-racism pdf document
Anti-racism PDF document offered for free:
This document is intended to serve as a resource to white people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work. If you haven’t engaged in anti-racism work in the past, start now. Feel free to circulate this document on social media and with your friends, family, and colleagues.
BAME Montessori teachers and Montessori inspired parents:
- @hood_montessorian
- @afrocentricmontessori
- @montessori_nduoma
- @skmontessori
- @sagemontessorisf
- @pearts.montessori
- @montessoriforsocialjustice
- @themontessorian
- @senecavillagemontessori
- @learn_outside_the_box
- @myesha.g
- @montessori_madre
- @raisingyannis
- @tiffanymjewell
- @schoolathomeandbeyond
- @lovemontessoriscotland (she also runs a toddler group in Aberdeen, UK)
- @amandaonfactz2.5
- @letslearnmama
- @themontessoristudio
- @nurturing.mamas
They are many more, I'm sure! Those accounts are the ones I follow, some for a long time, some I have just discovered now ;-)
Resources about diversity
There is a monthly box created by a UK based Black Mother, of books that feature black characters:
This company is based in the UK and makes Puzzles about Africa.
Wonder and Wander studio is offering a free workbook to download to explore "racism, skin colour, activism with young children": Download it here .
There are 31 pages.
Fun fact: I asked my son what colour he thinks his skin is. He said "Yellowish".
In the PDF, Lucy Song includes the poem by Shane Derolf.
Wouldn’t it be terrible? Wouldn’t it be sad? If one single color was all that we had? If everything was purple? Or red? Or blue? Or Green? If yellow, pink, or orange was all that could be seen? Can you imagine how dull the world would be … if just one single color was all that we got to see?
A single box of crayon can sparkle a big conversation about Diversity.
And think about the skin colour crayons. Google this, there are several brands.
List of diverse books and book anti-racism for chilldren on these accounts:
21 children's books authors (of colour) that you should know about.
Where to find diverse books for children? Guide with many interesting links.
Why white parents need to talk to their children about race.
I also want to share this very informative blog post from Eloise Rickman, the author of Extraordinary Parenting.
It was written in July 2018 and this is the blog post I have been recommending ever since. It's so clear and helpful.
Nurture shock
The book has a whole chapter about why we need to talk to our children about race.
Let me know if you want to add something to this list.
These resources are by no means exclusive. I only want to invite you to explore the topic in your own way.
I hope that no matter, who you are, your colour skin, your religion, your origin or your gender, you have always felt included and respected by me. It is my full aim to be inclusive on my platforms.
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About the Author: Carine Robin is a qualified and experienced Montessori teacher and founder of The Montessori Family. With over 15 years of experience, Carine offers a blend of professional insight and personal understanding as a mother of two and qualified child psychologist. Inspired by the success of her Montessori subscription box, she created The Montessori Family to provide a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers globally. This platform aims to support child growth and well-being through curated educational activities. Additionally, Carine maintains the UK's most popular Montessori blog and administers the largest Montessori UK Facebook group, making her a central figure in the Montessori community.
