Racism STOPS with Me: A Pledge of Intention for Elementary School Children (and their Adult Leaders)

Racism permeates every aspect of our lives, and children are absorbing the same conscious and sub-conscious ideas about race that we consume daily. Many resources have been provided for adults to understand and evaluate their own intentions regarding anti-racist work; however, fewer resources are directed towards younger students. Racism STOPS with Me: A Pledge of Intention for Elementary School Children (and their Adult Leaders) is meant as a mindfulness practice to inspire action in children and educators alike. By reciting the pledge daily, Elementary school students will voice their thoughts and opinions about racism, white supremacy, and equity. This pledge moves past the commonly taught “colorblind” approach into territory that allows for all of us to see one another as we are while working as a community to build an equitable classroom. This is NOT a “one and done” approach, but if used correctly, it should provide some scaffolding about how to create reflective, powerful, anti-racist students.