The Skin I'm in: a First Look at Racism
The Skin I'm In: A First Look at Racism
Written By: Pat Thomas
Illustrated By: Lesley Harker
Grade level: Kindergarten and up
Purchase here!
Grade level: Kindergarten and up
Purchase here!
Element 3: Exploring Issues of
Social Injustice
Summary:
Summary:
This
book explains what it is to be racist and to exclude the rights of people based
off their race. It starts off with a scenario, asking the reader to imagine a
world where only people with a certain hair color or eye color could go to
school, or get a job. The author explains how a world like this would be
unfair. This book not only teaches what culture and race is, but it explains
how people should not be judged based on their skin color. This book compares
racists to bullies; people who treat others like they are not good enough,
without knowing the person for who they really are. The book explains that racists
are cowards who are afraid of people that may look different than them. The
author explains that we should never follow racists’ examples; we should accept
everyone for who they are on the inside. This book is a kindergarten and up reading
level.
Connection to element 3: Exploring Issues of Social Injustice:
This
book connects to element three, exploring issues of social injustice, because
it discusses the issue of racism. It explains that people are sometimes judgmental
to those of a difference race. The book promotes diversity and accepting people
of all colors. It enforces the idea that we are all people who deserve the same
respect. This book shows how racism has affected people in the past, and
present. It explains how racist actions can make one feel low about themselves and
their heritage. It also makes clear that these racist remarks are from people
who are bullies, and should not be taken to heart. The author tells the reader
that if they have any feelings about racist behavior that they should share
them with an adult that they trust, because they will be able to help. It
mentions that we should learn to embrace each other’s differences and learn and
grow together.
Classroom activity:
In the classroom, I would do a read aloud of this book, stopping throughout the reading to discuss what we have read. I would ask the class to discuss any connections they make, observations, or comments. I would ask the children why they think people make racist comments or have these racist beliefs and how we could change their view. I would also ask students to elaborate on their thoughts about diversity and accepting one another. I would end this lesson with a discussion on how we can help change people’s views on diversity and on treating everyone equally.
In the classroom, I would do a read aloud of this book, stopping throughout the reading to discuss what we have read. I would ask the class to discuss any connections they make, observations, or comments. I would ask the children why they think people make racist comments or have these racist beliefs and how we could change their view. I would also ask students to elaborate on their thoughts about diversity and accepting one another. I would end this lesson with a discussion on how we can help change people’s views on diversity and on treating everyone equally.
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