In a year defined by a global pandemic, 2020 was also a time when the social justice movement came front and center once again. The last two years have challenged our normal and brought to a head the injustices, racism, and inequities many have been fighting so hard for all these years.
It seems that finally these pleas are no longer falling on deaf ears and for families wishing to incorporate social justice into their homeschooling lessons, the following resources are ideal for a variety of ages.
What is social justice?
Social justice lessons for all ages
Creating social justice lesson plans and borrowing books from the library can only go so far in promoting social justice. To truly be an advocate it takes action, speaking out and engaging with your children from a place of knowledge and understanding.
This isn't always easy; we all have our own biases and prejudices to work through. It can take a lot of personal reprogramming to ensure we're engaging with our kids in the right way. Doing the work as a parent or caregiver is essential.
6. Expose your own privilege, prejudice, and pride and raise an antiracist
Danielle Slaughter is the mom and activist behind the "Black History is American History" curriculum. Her self-paced online course, Exposing the Three P's, helps adults work through their biases so they can have those difficult conversations.
"This course is ideal for parents, grandparents, teachers, and/or anyone involved in the nurturing of young children, adolescents, and teenagers," Slaughter explained on her website Mamademics. "I first used many of these theories while teaching on the collegiate level, but now incorporate them into my parenting of a preschooler."
7. Participate in socially distant volunteer opportunities
No matter where you live, there are bound to be issues that are important to you and your family. If you're looking for ways to be involved as a family but have concerns about volunteering in person or attending rallies or marches due to the global pandemic, consider writing letters or emails to congress. Younger children can place stamps on envelopes while older ones can either address envelopes or write the actual letters.
Teaching social justice at home will help prepare your children to be responsible, proactive, and empathetic members of society — something the world needs quite a bit more of these days.
