Teaching racism in primary school

[Eslteacher06]

So its Black History Month and my daughters teacher is very passionate about it.

A couple of the parents have said it's really sad that we have to teach about racism to young children because she never noticed the colour of skin before.

I have my own thoughts, but wondered what others thought? Is it reasonable to teach about racism at a young age or is it ruining innocence?

little children don't see different skin colour, or sex though.

Having run different girlguiding units, they don't really appreciate differences or similarities with themselves until they're 7/8.

I wish there was national recognition event for this community as they are the largest ethnic minority group in the Uk, yet the Black History movement doesn't seem to encompass them and only focuses on the black community.

BHM, Say Her Name, BLM and all that originates from the struggles of black peoples - I don't see why they have to be 'inclusive' to others. If Asians want something similar they should get together and organise it just like we did. A lot of people think these things were handed to black people on a platter - they weren't. If I had a penny for every person who wanted to cancel NHC I could have retired in my teens.

Completely agree with all the points made. I advocate for refugees and asylum seekers and see how they are treated. I just don't know how to navigate the discussion with the parents (that I have time for) about this. Normally I'm quite vocal but I know some will not see a different point of view no matter what you say.

Interesting 'mistake' in the title.

Black History Month isn't really about "teaching antiracism" it's about trying to get more of a balance of people and events from History, centred around non white people in a positive way.

Something that stands out with me is my first week in reception at school as I experienced Racism at 5 if a child who is black or poc and is experiencing Racism which is traumatic then white children shouldn't be coddled and not taught.

Might I remind you Black women are 5x more likely to die in childbirth due to racism, if we don't challenge it from young we'll always have a problem

In a lot of ways it’s even more important to have those conversations when you live in an area that isn’t diverse because otherwise naivety about the situation can take over.

i grew up as a white British child in an area with very little diversity. I grew up in a bubble of naivety because it was never an issue I saw. It was only when we read to kill a mockingbird in school when I was 14 I began to see the wider issues. It’s only through actively trying to get my head around such things that I have learnt about things more and realised that the white privilege of my childhood didn’t do me any favours!

@WhileMyGuitarGentlyWeeps Really no need for that. I forgot a preposition. Shop me into the grammar police.

I'd disagree. My cousins are 50% Indian. I didn't realise this until I was about 10 or 11, despite the fact my uncle/their Dad is very obviously 100% Indian, which had also escaped my attention.

Or maybe I was just a bit dim?

(This was in the 1970s)

I so agree. What about East Asian children as well? I think if you are going to concentrate on Black History why not let this go on further. Including all history?

So long as it’s taught in an age appropriate and non racist way, it’s good to have these discussions in primary school.

My children are Welsh. We live in an area with under 5% bame. They go to a Welsh medium school- that further reduces their interaction with or experience of bame even more! Refugees and immigrants who experience the extreme racism of my area don't send their children to the Welsh school. One has. A girl in year 4 and her brother in nursery. Of course they see colour! Those poor children are at best exposed to questions and curiosity, at worst presumptions of racism. I have to actively expose my children to diversity and sadly, re educate my children to diversity. Because the culture here is racist. the teaching is racist- we were mean to the Indians, BUT look!!! Railways!!!!! They are taught that Churchill is a hero. That the drawing of lines post wars has been necessary. It's actively hard to counter the racism inherent in the system. I don't know the answer. But anecdotally , it's my opinion that we need more honest teaching of history that does sometimes leave children feeling guilty. Sometimes we should. We- the historic we- committed atrocities , and continue to do so- and until enough of us confront it, choose to change it and reject it as part of proud heritage- then the cycle continues

What about East Asian children as well? I think if you are going to concentrate on Black History why not let this go on further.

What has this got to do with BHM? Those pesky black people getting way too much attention.

The fact that people think that BHM is all about racism is proof why we need it.

Oh goodness. Of COURSE primary school children should learn about racism! The fact that there are still people around who say 'but children don't notice colour' makes it even more essential actually. Let me guess... the people who think it's not important for kids to learn about racism are white..?

we need more honest teaching of history that does sometimes leave children feeling guilty.

I can’t agree to this, children are all innocents. No child should feel “guilty” due to the colour of their skin.

Is it reasonable to teach about racism at a young age or is it ruining innocence?

This is a question that only white people tend to have the luxury of worrying about.

I don't remember learning anything about racism in school. My parents educated me. When I started secondary school, I was shocked to hear some blatant racism. Those kids may have been brought up in racist homes but maybe their views would have been entirely different, had they learnt from a young age, that racism in any form is wrong.... So, yes, discussion with children should be encouraged.

it depends on the age. With young children of course they see differences but don’t necessarily think anything of it. I do see your point op - I do feel reluctant to teach dd about unpleasant things until it’s age appropriate.

I’ve taught my kids who are primary age but obviously it depends on how it’s taught. It could be taught badly but inherently the concept of being taught is good.

Black history month doesn’t focus on Pakistani and Indian people because they aren't black, hope that helps. 🤨

As an early years teacher, you are very wonrg. Children as young as 3 notice differences such as hair and skin colour.

Yeah, I don’t think children feeling guilty is helpful. My blue eyed white children’s heritage is as marginalised, oppressed and sometimes killed Jews.

I don’t think historic guilt is at all appropriate. Kids recognising the madness that is treating people worse because of how they look, is important and understanding that our modern society is built on a history where that madness was rife, is important. But teaching kids to feel guilty over something that their ancestors may or may not have benefited from is ridiculous.

Absolutely. Nor should kids feel bad about something done by someone else. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t teach children about history in an age appropriate way but past (or present) atrocities are not the responsibility of children regardless of their skin colour or nationality.

I was taught about racism (1980s) by a Black friend at school who told me the reason one teacher was mean to her (and me by extension) was because of the teacher's racism. And her mum came to the school and sorted it out, neatly also teaching me about speaking truth to power and not just letting things go.

Had I not been friends with her, what would that have looked like to me? I mean I thought teachers were all-knowing so Debbie would have looked 'bad' to me. And there's another generation soaked in it.

Better to teach about racism all the time. And teach about, you know, Black history, during Black History Month. I mean that should be all the time too but isn't.

Nor should kids feel bad about something done by someone else.

Guilty, no. Bad, yes. White people need to understand that we have benefitted, and still do, from a racist system. Waving a hand around and pretending there's nothing to see here is nonsense. You have to feel bad about what's happening to want to change it.