Title: How Should I Talk about Race in My Mostly White Classroom?
Headings: How Should I Talk about Race in My Mostly White Classroom?
How Should I Talk about Race in My Mostly White Classroom?
1. Set up group guidelines.
2. Help students accept discomfort and uncertainty.
3. Clarify that the goal is not to be “colorblind.”
4. Acknowledge that learning about race and racism is a process.
5. Provide opportunities to learn about others and foster empathy.
6. Address white privilege in non-defensive ways.
7. Connect to ally behavior and engage in social justice.

Content: This is particularly true if you have a predominantly white school and you are talking about race. Use children's books, short videos, movies, literature, stories by teens, or arrange for a video chat to expose students to other voices on race as this fifth grade teacher did. As the goal is to dispel stereotypes—not perpetuate them—be sure to review these resources in advance. Exposing white students to people who represent different racial groups can also build empathy as they learn and better understand others’ lives, experiences, perspectives and feelings. 6. Address white privilege in non-defensive ways. The term “white privilege” is one that often produces anxiety and defensiveness among white people, including students. At the same time, if students are going to engage in conversations about race, privilege has to be on the table. The goal of a discussion about white privilege is not to make anyone feel guilty for who they are or defensive about their lot in life. The goal should be to help students understand and analyze issues of power and privilege as they relate to racism.