Please join us as WUSD counselors guide parents/caregivers and students through an experience to explore feelings, gain knowledge, build empathy, and become motivated to promote kindness and social justice.
We will provide a read-aloud of Something Happened in Our Town by: Donald Moses and Marianne Celano, which follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.
The story begins with children asking their parents about a police shooting that the children heard about in the news and amongst friends. Parents try to explain that although there are many kind-hearted police officers, not all of them treat everyone the same. The conversations then expand to a broader context and flow in a way that inspires the children to show kindness towards others when peers try to reject another student.
The book provides great examples of language adults can use with children when discussing anti-racism. It also helps inspire children to show kindness towards others.
All grades levels may attend as the story is appropriate for Kindergarten and older; however parents may want to use discretion based on the content of the story and personal preference. The read-aloud we will use on 2/17 is available to view through the link provided in this summary and will be accompanied by guided conversation and opportunities for families to share with each other. See you there!
