Erin Burnside

PED 3102 [A]

Dr. Saba Alvi
February 2, 2024

Antiracist Teaching Toolbox

Theme: Antiracism Awareness

Embarking on this educational journey, I have come face to face with the realization of
my own ignorance and privilege. It is not merely about saying, "I don't see race," but rather
understanding why such a statement falls short. Through this program, I have learned to identify
unchecked biases and recognize the subtle yet damaging nature of microaggressions. I have been
challenged to acknowledge the privileges I have been subconsciously taught to overlook and
even expect. It has become clear that it is not enough to claim not to be racist; true progress
requires active engagement in anti-racist practices.
With this newfound awareness, I am compelled to integrate anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR)
work into my classroom. While I recognize the significance of this endeavor, I also acknowledge
the inherent privilege in being able to do so. It is not a political act for me, a white educator, to
undertake this work, particularly when BIPOC educators often bear the burden of leading such
initiatives. My goal is to leverage my privilege for good and effect meaningful change.
Ultimately, I believe that racism and hatred are learned behaviors, absorbed through
imitation and ingrained societal norms. While we may not have control over what children are
taught at home, the school environment offers a critical opportunity to instill values of equity,
empathy, and justice. These formative years are when children are most receptive and open-
minded, making it imperative to begin ABAR education as early as possible. By fostering a
culture of inclusivity and respect within the classroom, we can empower our students to become
active, compassionate citizens who challenge injustice and advocate for a more equitable society.

Recommended Resources
Resource Episode 53: ABAR in STEM w/ Liz
Kleinrock on Our Classroom

Resource Type Podcast

 https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/podcasts/our-
Link classroom/episodes/2147905370
Citation Germán, R. (Host). (2023, March 22). ABAR in STEM w/ Liz
Kleinrock (53) [Audio podcast episode]. In Our Classroom.
Multicultural Classroom.
https://www.multiculturalclassroom.com/podcasts/our-
classroom/episodes/2147905370
Appropriate Grade Resources adaptable to any age group
Level
Description Our Classroom is a podcast run by the Multicultural Classroom.
Roberto German hosts this episode featuring the well-respected author
and educator, Liz Kleinrock. The two tackle topics surrounding the
integration of antibias, antiracist work in the classroom. Liz offers
three resources, easily adaptable to any grade level, for math and
science. She is also asked to expand on several quotes from her book,
Start Here Start Now, concerning activism and mathematics as a tool
of liberation. This episode provides listeners with practical examples of
bridging our current curriculum with ABAR practices. It is suggested
that this requires a shift in our scientific and mathematical lenses, a
task some educators might find difficult, but can be executed by using
real world examples and meaning to ground student work and lesson
planning. I chose this resource because it is free and readily available
online through multiple platforms (Apple podcasts, Multicultural
Classroom website, etc.) and offers the voices and perspectives of two,
well-known members of marginalized communities. I was also keen to
include any work of Liz Kleinrock’s as I own and cherish her book
Start Here Start Now. I have found her insight as a self-declared,
transracially adopted Korean, Jewish, queer individual to be invaluable
in my learning and practice as a teacher candidate.
The advice and wisdom she offers in this episode comes from thorough
investigation, consideration and education in this field of work. I
would consider Kleinrock to be an ethical and credible source due to
her involvement in antiracist facilitation and consulting across multiple
school boards, organizations, and companies across the United States.
Additionally, Roberto German is equally credible and commendable
for his dedication to education and innovative leadership. He is
recognized and respected by the well-known organization, Edutopia,
and commands respect in his position as cofounder and executive
director of Multicultural Classroom. Each of these admirable
individuals has dedicated much of their personal and professional lives
to educating others on antiracism, and for this I would be honoured to
use their resources. I would use the knowledge I take from this episode
 as a personal learning tool to guide my lesson planning and content
delivery.

Resource Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

Resource Type Children’s Non-Fiction Literature

https://a.co/d/d9Q80d9 (for purchase)

Link https://youtu.be/3J8LlcWEusI?si=zFABLiN8_I8IRHv7 (for online
read aloud)
Citation Madison, M., & Ralli, J. (2021). Our Skin: A First Conversation About
Race (I. Roxas, Illus.). Penguin Young Readers Group.
Appropriate Grade K-5
Level
Description Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race is a children’s non-fiction
piece that address the subjects of race, racism and its history. It is
advertised for young ages, yet I feel the topic and writing could be
appreciated by, and adapted to the abilities of, any grade level (K-5).
The authors, Madison and Ralli, introduce young minds to the
scientific foundations of skin colour and the definition of terms such as
“People of Colour”, melanin and racism. They provide students with
concrete examples of racism and prejudice to develop a frame of
reference to help easily identify injustice on their own. Questions like
“what do you like about your skin” are asked to help promote positive
self-identity in young readers and content even acknowledges that our
skin colour tells us nothing about a person or their character. I feel that
this resource holds incredibly valuable lessons and topics that can
spark meaningful dialogue in the classroom. Our Skin also
acknowledges the history of the establishment and construction of
“race” in an age-appropriate way. This book could be used as a read
aloud to introduce a lesson on race and racism. I chose this specific
resource because it is available for purchase, but also completely free
via YouTube.
Megan Madison is a doctoral candidate who conducts workshops on
race, gender and sexuality and was recently a member of the governing
 board of the National Association for the Education of Young
Children. Her personal website provides explicit details about her
credentials, dedication to this field and collaboration with several
reputable organizations. Similarly, Jessica Ralli, is an esteemed
member of the literary world for her contributions to play-based
learning and antiracist literature. She recently won an award for her
inspirational work in libraries supporting migrant families and is co-
authoring a critically acclaimed workshop on race, gender and several
notable topics.

Resource Colours of the World Crayon Box

Resource Type Classroom material

Link https://a.co/d/c33lvRs
Colours of the World Crayon Box [Materials]. (n.d.). Easton, PA:
Citation
Crayola.
Appropriate Grade K-12
Level
Description This box of crayons could be an invaluable tool in our classrooms.
Considering the classroom environment plays an influential role in
student comfort, exposure and raising awareness, the colours of the
world crayon box could positively contribute to the diversity and
inclusion we seek to promote in our rooms. Children, and people of
any age, wish to see themselves in our media, literature, games, and
materials. Having this representation could change the dynamic and
sense of security in our classrooms. Having access to Crayola’s most
progressive line of materials ensures that students have access to a
diverse range of skin tone colours when engaging in art projects and a
variety of work. That representation allows them to accurately depict
themselves, their classmates and individuals from various cultural
backgrounds in their artwork. It promotes self-expression and
encourages students to celebrate their identity and diversity. In doing
so, this can create a sense of belonging for all students. When children
see their cultures, backgrounds and experiences reflected in the
physical classroom, it sends a message that they are valued and
respected. Though this resource is not a piece of literature,
 informational video, or something to build an entire lesson around, it is
a tangible resource designed to foster positive and inclusive learning
experiences in which students feel comfortable expressing themselves
and their perspectives.
I feel that this resource is appropriate because Crayola has offered a
diverse set of colours in this box set. Had they released this collection
and only include 5-6 colours, I would be extremely hesitant to consider
this resource for my classroom. However, it seems their dedication to
providing proper representation was achieved as each set contains 24
formulated colours derived from three shades and various levels of
shading. I feel that this set sends a beautiful message and encourages
other large corporations to better represent the world around them.
Modelling behaviour and leading by example is the most effective way
to educate others.

Questionable Resources
Resource Black Enslavement in Canada

Resource Type Online Lesson Plan via Teachers Pay Teachers

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-History-Month-
Link Activities-on-Slavery-in-Canada-Print-and-Google-Slides-
7822025?st=34328825418cf7445dfa2a3af2bd3f40
Citation Black Enslavement in Canada [Sample lesson plan]. (n.d.). Teachers
Pay Teachers (TPT). Retrieved January 28, 2024, from
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Black-History-
Month-Activities-on-Slavery-in-Canada-Print-and-Google-
Slides-7822025?st=34328825418cf7445dfa2a3af2bd3f40
Description This 31+ page lesson plan is available online via Teachers Pay
Teachers (TPT). The site advertises this lesson on Black Enslavement
in Canada as informational texts, activities and printables for grade 3-6
and homeschool. It includes 6 texts for reading comprehension on
topics such as enslavement, the daily life of the enslaved and resistance
(“Peaceful Protests”), as well as worksheets designed for each topic.
Though this may seem like a helpful tool and extensive resource,
 educators that pay a mindful eye to the creators of such materials and
their credentials may find it questionable. Nancy Wilcox Richards is
the creator of this online lesson plan. She is a published author via
Scholastic Canada and retired educator who writes about bullying and
friendship. She is also a white woman with no evidence of credibility
to speak on the lived experiences of Black individuals in Canada.
Neither TPT, or any website containing her products, show any
information regarding where her resources come from. This resource is
also advertised for use during Black History month. Though that may
seem relevant, there is no mention or celebration of Black excellence
throughout the lesson - a dialogue that is equally important alongside
our discussion of oppression. Because this resource is currently being
sold for roughly seven dollars, purchasing it means we are continuing
to financially support and reward creators with no personal insight to
the lived experiences of those silenced.
Although Richards has published hundreds of seemingly valuable
resources, educators must be careful about what is shared and
promoted in our classrooms from individuals without an authentic
voice, even if they hold good intentions. The most concerning aspect
of this lesson plan is that it is advertised as “No Prep”. This suggestion
falls short in so many ways and is completely inappropriate
considering the importance of this topic. When teaching children about
the lived experiences and history of Black individuals in Canada,
educators must do meaningful research to ensure they spread credible,
valid information so as not to perpetuate the injustice and ignorance.
The best way this can be done is by consulting members of the
community in which you wish to learn about. It would be most
valuable and credible for students to hear from such respected
members instead of the perspective of a white woman on TPT.

Resource If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss

Resource Type Children’s Book

Link https://youtu.be/Vl6wD6EGOVk?si=z6Yb-PDA4n8nz823 (read aloud)

Citation Seuss, Dr. (1950). If I Ran the Zoo. Random House.

Description If I Ran the Zoo is a children's fiction piece that explores the
imagination of a young Mr. McGrew as he envisions transforming a
zoo by capturing and displaying the most peculiar and outlandish
creatures for public amusement. However, despite its playful premise, I
would not choose to include it in my classroom for several significant
reasons. First and foremost, the text perpetuates harmful
misrepresentations of various cultures through stereotypical
illustrations and descriptions. While Caucasian characters are depicted
without such stereotypes, others, including Middle Eastern, African,
Chinese, and Russian cultures, are subjected to derogatory portrayals,
such as the depiction of “helpers with slanted eyes”. Such depictions
not only reinforce negative stereotypes but also create an atmosphere
of cultural insensitivity and disrespect that I could never welcome in
my classroom.
Moreover, the author, Theodor Seuss Geisel, whose controversial
political views included supporting the internment of Japanese
Americans, further undermines the ethical credibility of the book.
Geisel's works have been criticized for perpetuating ignorance and
racism, highlighting the need for vigilance in selecting classroom
materials that promote positive self-identity and safety among students.
While the foundation responsible for his works has acknowledged and
ceased the publication of some racially insensitive materials, the
continued prevalence of Dr. Seuss's books in early childhood literature
highlights the importance of critically evaluating popular authors rather
than blindly trusting their reputation. Ultimately, as educators, it is
essential to prioritize inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in our
classroom materials, steering clear of works that propagate harmful
stereotypes and ideologies.