Starting Conversations Around Privilege

Having conversations around privilege can be daunting, but it is vitally important. I recently shared on Instagram that I often do this in my classes by using a quote or statement to launch the discussion, and thought I'd share some more, broken down by grade level. I've also suggested picture books, poems, and songs that can be used to spark these discussions. This is by no means an exhaustive list, there are so many other amazing quotes, books, poems, and songs that you can use to launch discussions around privilege - these are just some of my personal favourites.

Primary (K-3)

As many of you likely already know, I don't teach primary, so I got some help with this section from one of my incredible colleagues who suggested her favourite books for this age group.

• Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall (author and illustrator)

• From Far Away by Robert Munsch and Saoussan Askar, illustrated by Rebecca Green

• Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, PhD; Marietta Collins, PhD; and Ann Hazzard, PhD; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

• Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard

Junior (4-6)

• "There is no “them and us.” There is only us." - Greg Boyle SJ

• "One of the first things I think young people, especially nowadays, should learn is how to see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself." - Malcolm X

• "Growing is the result of learning." - Malcolm X

• “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu

• I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland

• The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi (author and illustrator)

• Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, PhD; Marietta Collins, PhD; and Ann Hazzard, PhD; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

Intermediate and Senior (7-12)

• Wintersleep - "Beneficiary" (YouTube)

• "White Privilege" by Kyla Jenee Lacey (YouTube)

• Tracy Chapman - "Talkin' About a Revolution" (YouTube)

• "Privilege is least apparent to those who have it." - Clarence Page

• “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin

• "Tolerance is another word for indifference." - W. Somerset Maugham

• “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu

• I Am Not a Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gillian Newland

• Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, PhD; Marietta Collins, PhD; and Ann Hazzard, PhD; illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin

What do you use to spark conversations around privilege with your students? Comment below 👇🏻

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