Kindness and inclusivity start at home and it’s never too early to start the conversation. As part of Sesame Workshop’s ongoing Coming Together initiative, new resources have launched specifically for military and veteran families. They emphasize racial justice, building a positive sense of identity, being an “upstander” and practicing self-care.
The content includes a special video featuring First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a “Great Things” music video that highlights how military families can deal with “big feelings” and an “I Am Me” interactive game. You’ll also find professional development materials for work with military families and Sesame Workshop will partner with national military organizations to utilize these resources.
Previously, Sesame Workshop released content on the “ABC’s of Racial Literacy,” an ongoing initiative to help families talk about race and racism. You’ll find helpful videos, articles, printables and more so you can get everyone involved and engage even the youngest members of your family.
Five-year-old Wes and his father Elijah, first introduced in March, are back in two new videos. In “Proud of Your Eyes,” Wes helps his Filipino American friend Analyn process big feelings after she was teased about her eyes. In “Breathe, Feel, Share” Wes tells his family about getting teased for his lunch and they practice a simple coping strategy. You can also watch video featuring The Clutes, a Native family, that explores the ways families can talk to their kids about race and culture.
The kids in your home will enjoy printable activities, like “Welcome to Sesame Street, Wes and Elijah!” coloring pages and “I Am Somebody” cut-apart affirmation cards. And the grownups can read articles on “The 4 S’s of Anti-Racist Parenting” and “Racial Trauma and Responding to Racism.”
Sesame Street partnered with the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families and the National Black Child Development Institute to create these resources. You can find them for free in both English and Spanish online. Let’s come together at home to make the world a better place!
––Sarah Shebek
Featured image courtesy of Richard Termine, Sesame Street Workshop
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