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How do we help children talk about race, identity, and difference with honesty, curiosity, and respect? In this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation, Jenny and Kristine welcome educator, consultant, and longtime equity leader Monique Marshall to explore how parents and educators can move beyond “color blindness” and create communities in which every child feels seen, valued, and included.
Monique reflects on growing up as one of the only Black children in predominantly white school communities. Although she experienced warmth and care, important parts of her identity were rarely acknowledged or reflected in the books she read, the lessons she learned, or the conversations taking place around her. Her understanding began to deepen in college, where courses in racial identity and children’s literature introduced her to stories that reflected Black lives and experiences. Those discoveries helped shape her calling as an educator and her commitment to creating the kinds of learning spaces she had needed as a child.
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience with children, teachers, parents, and school communities, Monique explains that conversations about identity should not be reserved for Black History Month, moments of conflict, or the teenage years. Children deserve to develop racial literacy from an early age, just as they develop language for reading, writing, emotions, and relationships. This work is most meaningful when it is woven naturally and authentically throughout the curriculum and the life of a school.
Monique also offers practical wisdom for responding when a child says something uncomfortable or hurtful. Rather than immediately correcting, labeling, or shaming the child, adults can begin with the invitation, “Tell me more.” Curiosity gives us an opportunity to understand what the child is thinking, provide accurate information, and turn a difficult moment into meaningful learning.
Throughout the conversation, Monique reminds us that adults do not need to be perfect or have every word figured out before beginning. We can model humility by acknowledging mistakes, learning new language, considering the impact of our words, and returning to conversations when we are ready to respond more thoughtfully. When parents, teachers, and school leaders approach this work with courage, openness, and a willingness to keep learning, they help children feel more secure in who they are while growing in empathy for others.
Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to remain curious, listen deeply, and address the whole child. Identity and belonging are not separate from education—they are essential parts of helping every young person grow into a confident, compassionate, and fully seen human being.
Connect with Monique Marshall
- Instagram: @moniquemarshallconsulting
- Website: https://mmscequity.com/
- Facebook: Monique Marshall
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MMSCequity
Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor
Race Cars by Jenny Devenny
Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder
Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller
I’m From by Gary R. Gray, Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora
The History of We by Nikkols Smith
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
All the Colors of the Race by Arnold Adoff
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
The Person you Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas
We welcome your feedback. Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com
Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.
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