the day you begin by jacqueline woodson

 

USING BOOKS TO SUPPORT
CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUNG
CHILDREN ABOUT RACE

Swipe for information about the book and questions
you can ask to guide conversations with children.
THE DAY YOU BEGIN
BY: JACQUELINE
WOODSON

ILLUSTRATED BY:
RAFAEL LOPEZ

This beautifully illustrated book is a
fantastic read for parents and teachers
to prepare children for a new school

year. It discusses how children may feel
different from other children in the
room based on their appearance, the
language they speak, the food they eat,
or where they come from. All of these
differences may cause children to feel
lonely. The book encourages children to
open up and share their stories as a
way to connect with each other and
celebrate their differences.
SUMMARY
RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 5-8 YEARS

KEY CONCEPTS
Diversity
Inclusion
Culture
Unique
Acceptance

How does it feel to be different from people around
you? It can feel lonely sometimes, but remember we
are all people regardless of these differences. These
differences, big or small, make each person unique.
There is no one exactly like you and no one exactly like
your friends which is so cool! People can share
similarities, too, like having the same hair color or the
same favorite food.
How does it feel to do something you've never done
before, or go somewhere you've never gone? Do you
feel excited or scared? It is okay to feel both! When
you are scared, take a breath and remember that you
can ask for help or a break if you need it. You are
strong and soon those new activities and places will
feel less scary. I am here to support you and build
your confidence in who you are.
QUESTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
Talking about being different
Talking about new situations

QUESTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS
...if they hear someone
speaking a different language
than they one they speak?
Ask questions and work to
learn words each other's
languages so you can talk
with each other.
What can they do?
...if they see someone
eating a food they've
never had before?
...if they see someone
being left out?
You could ask if that is
their favorite food or
what it tastes like.
You could ask them if
they want to join, or if they
are okay with you being
with them.

SHARE WITH US
What other questions came up
as you were reading?
How helpful was this book in
talking with your child about
tough concepts?
What was your or your child's
favorite part of the book?