What Is Race? | How To Talk To Kids About Identity And Race | Circle Time with Khan Academy Kids

Summary

In this episode of Circle Time, Caroline and Sophie introduce a discussion about race with Teacher Naomi and Noah. They explain that race is a way people are grouped based on physical characteristics like skin color. The conversation touches on the beauty of diversity and the negative impact of racism. They emphasize the importance of getting to know individuals rather than judging them by their appearance. The episode also covers the concept of bias and encourages children to challenge their preconceptions. The story of T-Rex, who doesn't fit the typical mold of a carnivore, reinforces the message of embracing individuality.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Circle Time is a fun, engaging experience with stories, activities, and Show and Tell.
• 🤝 Sophie and Caroline are introducing the topic of race, explaining how society groups people by physical traits.
• 😔 The script explains racism as treating people poorly based on race, and encourages stopping racist behavior when witnessed.
• 🧠 Bias is a natural part of how we think, but we need to be aware of it, especially when it influences how we view people based on their skin color.
• 🌍 Melanin is what determines skin color, and everyone has different amounts of it. Animals also have melanin, giving them their unique patterns.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Identity includes factors like race, family, and traditions. Everyone’s identity is unique and influenced by their background.
• 📚 The story of T-Rex teaches the value of being true to oneself rather than conforming to expectations.
• 👥 The importance of getting to know others, rather than judging them based on appearance, is a key message of the session.
• 🌏 Show and Tell features drawings and creative work from children around the world, showcasing diversity and cultural differences.
• 💬 Children are encouraged to share more about their identity, family, and traditions through Show and Tell, promoting inclusion and understanding.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the Circle Time episode?

The main theme of the Circle Time episode is understanding race, diversity, and embracing individuality.

Who are the special guests in the Circle Time episode?

The special guests in the Circle Time episode are Teacher Naomi and Noah, who discuss the concept of race with the children.

What is race according to the script?

Race, as explained in the script, is a classification of people into groups based on physical characteristics such as skin color, hair color, eye color, and height.

What is the negative aspect of grouping people by race mentioned in the script?

The negative aspect mentioned is racism, where people are treated poorly or not befriended due to their race or physical appearance.

How can children counteract racism as discussed in the script?

Children can counteract racism by stopping others when they witness racist behavior, encouraging them to get to know the person instead of judging by appearance.

What is bias and how is it related to race as discussed in the script?

Bias is an automatic preference or dislike for something, and racial bias specifically refers to favoring or disfavoring someone based on their race without conscious thought.

How can children be made aware of their bias according to the script?

Children can be made aware of their bias by stopping to think about their actions and decisions to ensure they are not influenced by bias.

What is the story 'Got to Be Me' by Cynthia Platt about?

The story 'Got to Be Me' is about a T-Rex who prefers quiet activities and learns to embrace his individuality despite societal expectations.

What does the T-Rex in the story enjoy doing that is different from typical T-Rex behavior?

The T-Rex in the story enjoys reading, learning about plants and flowers, and gazing at the stars, which is different from the typical roaring and stomping behavior of T-Rexes.

What lesson does T-Rex learn from his friend Edmontosaurus in the story?

T-Rex learns from Edmontosaurus that it's okay to be different and that being true to oneself is important.

How does the Circle Time episode use Show and Tell to demonstrate diversity?

The episode uses Show and Tell by featuring children from different parts of the world, showcasing their drawings and where they are from, emphasizing the global diversity of the audience.