Story Time for Little Historians
A free story time for families, especially with ages 5-8, takes place the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.
Story time features picture books and storytelling that explore the breadth of Black History, using the energy of the historically charged space of the Museum to help visitors connect with our past with hopes of creating an inclusive, brighter future.
Themes vary each month, covering everything from historic people and moments, to traditional folklore, to fiction featuring children of color. The story tellers engage children through interactive story telling, including movement and song, encouraging the group to explore the month's theme in age-appropriate ways.
Story Time Book List
Suggested books to keep reading at home:
Harriet and the Promised Land
by Jacob Lawrence
Learn about Harriet Tubman, who was born enslaved and managed to escape. This book is illustrated and written by renowned artist Jacob Lawrence.
Gordon Parks - How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
By Carole Boston Weatherford
Told through lyrical verse and atmospheric art, this is the story of how, with a single photograph, a self-taught artist got America to take notice. Find instructions for a photography project here.
Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story
By Angela Shelf Madearis and Daniel Minter
Explore the seven principles of Kwanzaa through this exquisitely illustrated book.
Lillian's Right to Vote
By Jonah Winter and Shaun W. Evans
An elderly African American woman on her way to vote remembers her family's tumultuous voting history. As Lillian, a one-hundred-year-old African American woman, makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky—she sees her family's history.
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins
By Carole Boston Weatherford, paintings by Jerome Lagarrigue
Learn about the Greensboro sit-ins through the eyes of a child, who is watching the events unfold. Alexandria had its own sit-in. Discover more here.
Resources for talking to children about race and racism
RES (Racial and Ethnic Socialization)
Developed by the American Psychological Association, this resource focuses on building and reinforcing positive outcomes in African American children. The resources are directed towards parents, caregivers, and educators of African American children and youth (ages 5-18).
Engaging My Child
Towards the bottom of the parent resource page, there is a break-down of discussing race and ethnicity by the age of child.
EmbraceRace
This non-profit describes itself as “a multiracial community of parents, teachers, experts, and other caring adults who support each other to meet the challenges that race poses to our children, families, and communities.” Scroll the webinars to listen to or read the transcripts of them—don’t miss “How Children Learn about Race” and “How to Address Racial Injustice with Young Children” in this section. Tips and recommendations related to book selection are found throughout the site.
Teaching for Change
The “Teaching Resources” section of its website that includes everything from overarching themes like Anti-Bias Education to specific topics like Civil Rights. The thought-piece on “When and How to Talk with Young Children about Enslavement: Discussion Questions for Educators” within News provides good questions for conversation and consideration
Let's Talk: Discussing Race, Racism, and Other Difficult Topics with Students
The pamphlet focuses on facilitating difficult dialogues with student groups. It includes a self-reflection section, facilitation techniques, and suggestions for adjusting strategies for K-5 students.
Talk with Children about Slavery
This resource was developed by a mom and activist who wanted to help others talk to their kids about race, social justice, and other crucial issues. Her blog links to a lot of other resources beyond her own.
Indigenous People's Day
A useful article by Smithsonian Magazine with links to additional resources as we rethink programming around what was Columbus Day and is now recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Alexandria.
Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism
From PBS Kids -- Children are never too young to learn about diversity. Includes video of a virtual event.