Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers and play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future.
When we cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) in young children, we create steppingstones toward resisting hate and strengthening democracy.
Because stories can connect personal experiences to broader social issues, they can help children grow in understanding justice and recognizing and challenging injustice. And stories can offer models of ordinary people engaging in actions — even seemingly small steps — toward embracing inclusivity and rejecting hate and bias. This learning can begin a child’s journey toward helping to create a more just society. As author and educator Britt Hawthorne points out: “It is never too early to start creating a home rooted in justice, compassion, and love.”
We offer the following learning journeys, stories and book recommendations for children and families to cultivate the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Elementary educators can also use these resources in the classroom. We will continue to add new learning journeys, stories and book reviews.
Featured Story for Children and Families
“Fireflies,” our newest children’s story about family, love and identity, gives children affirming messages and offers a model to adults on responding to a child questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity. When 10-year-old Kaden wonders whether he’s gay, he turns to his older brother Zain, who offers the love and acceptance all caring adults should give to a child.
Growing Together Learning & activities
Connecting With Literature
Exploring Identity and Commonalities
Celebrating African and Indigenous Cultures
Talking to Children About the History of Slavery in the United States
Handle With Care
The Civil Rights Activity Book
Stories for children and Families
Story Corner
These short stories are for growing readers and for reading aloud to young children. Enjoy and share them. The Connecting With Literature learning journey can provide some guidance on reflection and discussion questions.
Reading Together: Books for Children
We offer some of our favorite book recommendations for children (elementary to middle grades) that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice. We will continue to update this page with new book reviews.
One World Posters
Enjoy and share all our One World posters, including our newest poster with the inspirational words of Amanda Gorman.
“For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
Illustration by Harkiran Kalsi
