Children notice and experience the world around them. This group of 5^th graders share their reflections and observations about modern-day school segregation and its links to race, language, and class. It is important that White parents are also equipping their children to observe and reflect on their neighborhoods and how segregation affects their learning.

Before you watch the video with your child:

• Ask your child, “What is segregation? Does segregation in schools still happen today?
• Ask your child, “Is there a lot of diversity (different types of people) in your class now?” If not, then ask “Why do you think that schools are still segregated even though the laws have made segregation illegal?”
• Tell your child, “Now we are going to watch a video of some New York City 5^th graders talking about segregation in their schools. As you watch the video, think about what has changed and what still needs to change?”

Kids Talk About Segregation Today

It’s been 62 years since Brown v. Board of Education, but the percentage of racially segregated schools in the United States has been growing steadily over the past 15 years. New York has the most segregated schools in the country. This video talks to Bronx 5th graders about what segregation looks like today.

After the video, consider the following:

• Ask your child, “after watching that video of the 5^th graders talking about segregation in schools, what are your thoughts? Are schools still segregated today? “Bring
• Look at a timeline of segregation together and talk about how we learn more from being together rather than separate.
• Prompt your child to imagine what the neighborhood would be like if we had more diversity. Ask “what cultures would they like to learn more about? How would they welcome their new friends?”. This helps children see possibilities for change and also feel prepared to welcome new and different friends into the community.