Talking With Young Children About Race and Identity

Nicol Russell is vice president for implementation research for Teaching Strategies, a professional development company for early childhood educators. She has taught young children, managed a childcare center, and worked in state government, consistently striving to promote self-esteem and a positive cultural identity in both children and educators.

Nicol Russell started hearing about race when she was a little girl. Her parents were from two different backgrounds and made sure she was proud of them both. They gave her language and tools to understand her identity. Now Dr. Russell shows teachers of young children how to communicate to build kids’ cultural identities and self-esteem. Russell says adults should run toward–not away from– topics that may make them nervous.

Episode Resources:

NAEYC profile of Dr. Russell

Video: Talking About Race and Power with Young Kids from Embrace Race

Video: Tiny Talk - The Joy that Binds Us from Embrace Race

Early Risers Season 6 Episode 4 Discussion Guide