Diversity and Inclusion Book Recommendations
The Seattle Children’s Museum continues to work towards creating a welcoming, inclusive space for our community and families. As an institution supporting the development of early learners and their caregivers, we aspire to being an accessible, relevant resource for all young children in our communities, offering teachable moments that launch deeper conversations and understanding of self and others, and positively impact each child’s lived experiences. This includes issues of systemic racial injustice, individual prejudice, and inequity. The fact is, young children are exposed to these issues and impacted on a daily basis, right alongside their adults. Take a moment to examine those experiences in a way that feels safe and productive with your young child. Real moments, whether they seem big or small at the time, help shape our understanding of the world we live in, ourselves, and our role in our community. Look for ways to empower and affirm while reflecting. We hope the resources and activities provided here offer some options for at home experiences around privilege, equity and empathy. Stay tuned as we continue sharing and developing resources.
SCM offers monthly theme-based and daily programs. As a part of your community, SCM educators provide opportunities for young children and caregivers to engage and explore big ideas in a supportive environment. Whether imbedded or explicit, those topics include social injustice, racism and issues of equity. Our goal is to create an inclusive, culturally relevant environment that supports early learners’ social and emotional development, a positive sense of self and community. We hope these suggestions help young children exercise their social justice muscles, practice empathy and critical thinking at home, and in their community. Try these activities as a stand-alone, a follow up to a family discussion, witnessed incident or question from your child.