An introductory workshop for educators & community workers
In this 90 minute training, educators will:
– learn kid-friendly definitions of racism + examples of systemic racism that children can understand
- discover antiracist children’s books and songs that can be used in learning plans
- get to know kid and youth activists who are challenging systemic racism
- explore ways to communicate with parents about what children are learning in order to ease potential parent concerns.
- find practical projects that equip elementary children to both learn about systemic racism and challenge it
To support their exploration of systemic racism with elementary students, you’ll also receive the following printable resources:
Why is it important to teach children about systemic racism?
Research on children and race has found that:
Frequently asked questions about this systemic racism workshop
Who is this workshop best suited for?
Classroom teachers and administrators who work in the elementary grades, as well as religious educators and community workers for ages 6 – 12.
If you are a parent who is interested in doing this work with elementary age children, my “What can I do about racism?” series is a better fit.
How soon can I access the workshop and resouces?
Within a few minutes of completing your order, you’ll receive login information that allows you to watch the workshop recording and download the printable resources. You will have lifetime access to both the workshop and the printable children’s book list and antiracism project guide.
What types of projects are included in the antiracism project guide?
The booklet is written in kid-friendly language and includes descriptions of what race and racism are. It includes a wide variety of projects, some of which focus on learning about past and present racial justice leaders and movements. Others invite children to participate in age-appropriate ways in racial justice efforts at school and in the wider community.
Does this workshop include a curriculum I can use with my learners?
No, this is not a curriculum. Instead I offer a variety of concepts, activities, and resources that appeal to a wide range of learning styles.
How can I use the project booklet and children’s book lists? Can I copy and distribute to my students?
You may copy and distribute (by email or in person) all or part of the project booklet and children’s book guide to the learners in your classroom only.
If you know of additional educators in your school or organization who would like copies of the booklet, these can be purchased by contacting me at rebekah[at]thebarefootmommy[dot]com.
Community workers and religious educators may wish to use the booklet to plan a group project with children, or to offer families action opportunities at home.
What’s the cost for attending Exploring Systemic Racism with Elementary Age Children workshop?
Workshop registration for 1 person is $37.
I would like to purchase multiple copies of the workshop for my staff. How do I do that?
Send me an email at info[at]rebekahgienapp[dot]com and let me know the names and email addresses of each staff member you want to purchase the workshop for. I will invoice you and create logins for each staff member.
I have another question you haven’t answered.
Email your question to Rebekah at info[at]rebekahgienapp[dot]com.
Your workshop facilitator
Hi there! I’m Rebekah Gienapp, author of Raising Antiracist Kids: An age-by-age guide for parents of white children. I write, teach, and speak about engaging kids with social justice and antiracism, and I coach parents and educators on doing this work with children.
I’m also a United Methodist minister, former religious educator and community organizer, and a mom and stepmom.
Before my younger son was born, I spent my days working for economic and racial justice. Becoming a parent turned my world upside down (it usually does, doesn’t it?), and I left my community organizing job to focus primarily on motherhood.
It wasn’t until my younger kiddo was 4 years old that I realized my child (and others) urgently needed the adults in their lives to talk with them about race.
As my family began engaging with issues of race and racism more often, my desire grew to find a way to fit activism back into my life. But this time, I realized that activism needed to include my family (at least some of the time.)
While doing this work within our own family, I learned even more about teaching children about antiracism and social justice as the Director Children and Family Ministries at St. John’s United Methodist Church, and as the Lead Teacher and curriculum developer of Evergreen Presbyterian Church’s Peace Camp.
This workshop grows out of my experience as a religious educator, as well as what I’ve learned from offering the small group workshop “What can I do about racism?” for kids ages 7 – 11 and their parents.
My work has been featured in The Washington Post, National Geographic, MLK50: Justice through Journalism, Brownicity, PeoplesHub, and Parenting Forward.
I’m still learning and growing every day, and I’m so glad to be traveling this path with you.
© 2023 – 2025, Rebekah Gienapp