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What I Learned From a Kid About Prejudice

Oscar Wilde

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Published in A Kindergartner S Wisdom: What A Teacher Learned From A Kid About Prejudice

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A Kindergartner's Wisdom: What a Teacher Learned from a Kid about Prejudice

by Shondra M. Quarles

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	414 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	12 pages

I have been a teacher for over 20 years, and I have seen my fair share of prejudice. I have seen it in my students, in my colleagues, and even in myself. But it was a conversation with a young student that truly opened my eyes to the nature of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding.

It was a few years ago, and I was teaching a class of fifth graders. We were reading a book about the civil rights movement, and I was talking to my students about the importance of fighting against prejudice and discrimination.

One of my students, a little girl named Sarah, raised her hand and asked, "Why do people have to be prejudiced? Why can't they just be nice to each other?"

I was taken aback by her question. I had never thought about it that way before. I had always just assumed that prejudice was a natural part of human nature, something that we could never fully overcome.

But Sarah's question made me realize that prejudice is not inevitable. It is a learned behavior, something that we are taught by our parents, our friends, and our society.

I realized that I had been teaching my students about the importance of fighting against prejudice, but I had never really talked to them about where prejudice comes from. I had never explained to them how it can be harmful to individuals and to society as a whole.

So I decided to change my approach. I started by talking to my students about the different ways that people can be prejudiced. I explained to them that prejudice can be based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other group membership.

I also talked to my students about the impact that prejudice can have on individuals. I explained to them how prejudice can make people feel isolated, ashamed, and even angry.

Finally, I talked to my students about the ways in which we can work to overcome prejudice. I explained to them the importance of empathy and understanding. I told them that we need to try to see the world through the eyes of others and to understand their experiences.

I also emphasized the importance of speaking out against prejudice. I told my students that they should never be afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means standing up to their friends or family members.

I am proud to say that my students took my message to heart. They became more aware of the issue of prejudice, and they were more willing to speak out against it. They also became more empathetic and understanding of others.

I learned a lot from that conversation with Sarah. I learned that prejudice is not inevitable. I learned that it is a learned behavior that we can unlearn. I also learned that empathy and understanding are powerful tools that we can use to overcome prejudice.

I am grateful to Sarah for teaching me these valuable lessons. I believe that if we all learn to be more empathetic and understanding, we can create a more just and equitable world.

A Kindergartner's Wisdom: What a Teacher Learned from a Kid about Prejudice

by Shondra M. Quarles

4.6 out of 5