EY Resources
Resources to help you talk with young children about race & to promote diversity in the early years
Sesame Street - Explaining race
Elmo and his friend Wes are exploring the colours of their skin (and fur)! Wes’ Dad, Elijah, explains “melanin” and how the colour of our skin is an important part of who we are.
Culture Tree
Animated cartoons featuring poular nursery rhymes which have been translated into Yoruba, and also some traditional Yoruba songs.
Tata storytime
An online children's TV programme created by actor/producer Okezie Morro. Watch stories authored and read by African, Caribbean, and African American authors. 'Written by us, read by us, for all.'
JoJo & Gran Gran
Created by Laura Henry-Allain. ‘In March, JoJo and Gran-Gran became the first animated show focused on a black British family to launch in the UK. In doing so, it has helped to offer a unique depiction of a familiar tale.’
The importance of JoJo and Gran-Gran
An article entitled 'Blackness, animation, and the norms: the importance of JoJo & Gran Gran' published in Operation Black Vote from April 2020 explains why this is such an important resource for children.
A Parents Guide to Black Lives Matter
Great reads
Islington Libraries have produced a number of booklists, amongst these is the Black British authors' list which includes a number of authors who write for very young children.
24 books
24 books with black protagonists by black authors all kids should read.
Explaining BLM protests to young children
How to explain BLM protests to children using a Sesame Street YouTube clip
Persona Doll
Persona Dolls offer training and resources to support you to raise equality and inclusion matters in your classroom.
Using the Persona Doll Approach
- The focus is on fairness, equality, and inclusion.
- Children’s communication and listening skills are developed.
- Persona Doll stories encourage empathy, critical thinking and problem-solving.
- The Dolls are tools for implementing ‘British’ values and the Prevent Duty.
Talking to our class about BLM
A blog from an American teacher containing helpful reflections and advice on talking to young children about BLM.
Articles, videos and podcasts about race and early years education
MP-backed letter is calling for greater measures against Afro hair discrimination in the UK
MPs and campaigners are hoping to highlight awareness and education of hair discrimination and provide greater recognition to the issue.
Actually, it does matter
Laura Henry-Allain, EY consultant, author, and creator of the children's book/TV series 'Jojo and Gran-Gran', writes in Nursery World how the "early years sector can be a force for change and make a lasting difference to how children view Race."
Anti-racism in the Early Years
Kate Moxley from 'Wellness for All' reflects on how to promote anti-racism in the early years
Standing in Solidarity
Alexander Fernandez (Mr. Alex's Bookshelf) writes an insightful and thoughtful review of Ashok Banker's children's book 'I Am Brown' reminding us of why inclusive books are more important now than ever. "Through simple recitation, it illuminates who a Brown child is, can be, and will be..."
When You Know Better You Do Better
Kate Moxley in conversation with Laura Henry-Allain
Windrush
Coming to England
by Baroness Floella Benjamin, read by David Olusoga on CBeebies Bedtime Stories
What is the Windrush Generation?
Information from BBC Newsround
Desert Island Discs
Baroness Floella Benjamin shares her personal experiences of being part of the Windrush Generation