Teaching Social Justice Through Storytelling
Shelby KretzShare
Learning about social justice requires an empathetic understanding of others' experiences and perspectives. Stories, especially in children's books, offer a unique, powerful way to introduce complex concepts to little ones. Here are four ways that storytelling can help you teach about social justice:
#1 Storytelling helps kids develop empathy
When you read a book, you're often able to put yourself in the shoes of the character in the story. When kids read about characters with different backgrounds or experiences from their own, they learn to understand and empathize with those experiences. Regularly reading diverse stories can help children see the world through others' eyes, building a foundational sense of empathy and social awareness.
When you read a book, you're often able to put yourself in the shoes of the character in the story. When kids read about characters with different backgrounds or experiences from their own, they learn to understand and empathize with those experiences. Regularly reading diverse stories can help children see the world through others' eyes, building a foundational sense of empathy and social awareness.
#2 Social justice stories foster critical thinking
Social justice-themed stories often present real-world problems in contexts that children can understand. Take, for example, a book that introduces children to discrimination. Discussing these stories can help kids develop critical thinking skills to better understand why bias exists and how it can be eliminated. They learn not only to ask "why" things happen but also to consider what can be done about them.
Social justice-themed stories often present real-world problems in contexts that children can understand. Take, for example, a book that introduces children to discrimination. Discussing these stories can help kids develop critical thinking skills to better understand why bias exists and how it can be eliminated. They learn not only to ask "why" things happen but also to consider what can be done about them.
#3 Stories empower kids to take action
It's so important for young people to know that they can create change. Stories where young characters act as changemakers can inspire children to believe in their ability to make a difference. "Malala's Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai is a great example, as it tells the story of a young girl who used her voice to promote education and change the world. These narratives empower kids by showing that age is not a barrier to making an impact.
It's so important for young people to know that they can create change. Stories where young characters act as changemakers can inspire children to believe in their ability to make a difference. "Malala's Magic Pencil" by Malala Yousafzai is a great example, as it tells the story of a young girl who used her voice to promote education and change the world. These narratives empower kids by showing that age is not a barrier to making an impact.
#4 Books allow kids to see themselves in their learning
Representation matters. It’s important for children to see themselves and their identities reflected in the stories they read. Books that provide powerful representations of various identities allow kids to see themselves as heroes in their own stories. This inclusion helps ensure all kids feel valued, respected, and understood, which is a key aspect to a socially just education.
Representation matters. It’s important for children to see themselves and their identities reflected in the stories they read. Books that provide powerful representations of various identities allow kids to see themselves as heroes in their own stories. This inclusion helps ensure all kids feel valued, respected, and understood, which is a key aspect to a socially just education.
Tips for using books to teach social justice
Selecting the right books is just the beginning, but if you want a list of books to start with, you can grab our Big List of Diverse Picture Books. Here are some additional tips for parents and teachers:
Selecting the right books is just the beginning, but if you want a list of books to start with, you can grab our Big List of Diverse Picture Books. Here are some additional tips for parents and teachers:
- Choose books with diverse authors and characters
- Discuss the broader themes in the story
- Ask open-ended questions that encourage critical thinking
- Try to engage in hands-on activities related to the book's themes
Get started with teaching social justice today!
This summer, take the opportunity to deepen these discussions and learning experiences with your little ones by joining the Kind Little Book Club. You’ll gain access to a community of like-minded families to read and learn together. Each session, we'll read, do hands-on projects, and discuss important themes of social justice. Learn more and sign up now!
This summer, take the opportunity to deepen these discussions and learning experiences with your little ones by joining the Kind Little Book Club. You’ll gain access to a community of like-minded families to read and learn together. Each session, we'll read, do hands-on projects, and discuss important themes of social justice. Learn more and sign up now!
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