Talking About Taboo Topics
Storyboard Tekst
- Hey Micheal! I just watched a great TedEd talk by Liz Kleinrock called "How to Teach Your Kids About Taboo Topics".
- She emphasized that students need the language to talk about difficult topics. When a teacher shuts down such topics, it can create shame around it.
- Oh, interesting! I have always felt fearful that I would have family blow-back on difficult topics.
- It is great to show your students that even adults have room to grow and learn. You can refer them to a related non-profit, or create a student inquiry project.
- That makes sense! How would you approach a topic that you aren't knowledgeable in?
- Even first graders can see the different between fair and equal, reward and punishment. These are foundational for discussing mass incarceration in later grades.
- They also can discuss elements of identity and the difference between those in power and those not in power. This is the base of racism.
- Do you have any suggestions for approaching difficult topics in younger grades?
- Wow, I never thought about it like that! It would even be a good idea to start with a survey on their prior knowledge at the beginning of the year.
- Great idea! These are problems happening where they live. Our students are already exposed to them. School should be a safe place to ask questions. These are problems that will affect their future.
- I really enjoyed our chat yesterday. I found some more great resources online. My favorite gave three keys to tough conversations; do the personal work, create community instead of heirachry, and use a social justice lens.
- Those are great! I can't wait to try to bring some of this into my classroom, and discuss it with other teachers.
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