When children have friends, there are so many benefits. First, children are naturally happier when they have people to talk to. They feel included and like they are part of a solid group. Second, friends mean people have others to go to when they need to talk. Whether it is about the latest toy or something going on at home, friends provide an extra outlet. Third, friends can provide extra encouragement. For instance, they can help each other overcome a fear, such as seeing a bug. Or, they can help overcome any struggle, such as learning a new math formula. Due to this importance, children can understand the importance of being kind to others. Therefore, teaching children to be allies is not only beneficial for the classroom but for the entire community.
What is Allyship?
Allyship works to stop oppression and racism. It emphasizes social justice, inclusion, and human rights. In order to build this emphasis, someone holding power works to end oppression for a group who has been marginalized. Thus, someone is active and consistent in working to help everyone develop respect and trust for all individuals. Ultimately, allyship is about becoming an ally with marginalized groups of people by building trust and equality.
When are Allies Needed?
Children may not know when an ally is needed. This is due to the fact that children may be part of a marginalized group and uncomfortable speaking up. Or, it may be due to the fact that children are in a group of power but do not realize it. Therefore, it is important that students are taught how to tell when allies are needed. In order to do this in student-friendly ways, try these tips below.
- Read Alouds
There is so much power behind read alouds. Listeners are able to hear about different stories and perspectives while discussing with classmates. To build lessons about allyship, check out Min Jee’s Lunch. Here, Min Jee was so excited to show her friends a traditional Korean meal. However, the second they saw it, Min Jee was made fun of. However, what hurt Min Jee worse than people not wanting to try her food was the fact that her friends did not stick up for her. They sat there and listened to classmates saying mean comments. Through a conversation with her dad, Min Jee realized that she should be proud of who she is. Additionally, she realized the importance of opening up to her friends and telling them how hurtful it was that no
one spoke up. Be sure to check out School House Rap for so many diverse book units!
- Writing Prompts
Classroom discussions are amazing. They get students talking, which can also help build relationships. However, it is also important for students to have self-reflection. They need time to independently write and reflect about their emotions. Therefore, writing prompts are an excellent way for students to practice writing skills while becoming more aware of their feelings. For instance, in Min Jee’s story, students can write about how it feels for people to make assumptions. By building personal connections, children will also be more aware of their own actions.
How to Be an Ally
Most times, children will not know how to speak up for a marginalized group. Additionally, they may not realize that there are groups of people who are judged or treated poorly for reasons that do not make sense. For instance, this may be for having a certain skin color or following a certain religion. Thus, children have to learn how to be an ally.
- Listen
The first step in learning how to be an ally involves listening. Everyone has a different point of view on the same situation. Therefore, students need to realize the importance of listening to the point of view of others.
- Speak Up
Children have to learn it is okay to speak up for others. Thus, when seeing someone engaging in bad behavior, it is okay to respectfully say it is inappropriate. Also, when seeing someone say nasty comments to someone, it is a positive thing to point out how wrong and rude that is. Truly, many children may not realize the power behind words unless they have been negatively impacted.
- Support
When someone is the target of bad behavior or hurtful comments, they need support. They need to know friends are there for them and will stand up for them. Therefore, support the person who was the target and not the aggressor. The aggressor needs to know that bad behavior will not be supported or tolerated.
Allyship is a sensitive topic to teach. It points out groups who are in a position to make a change but are sitting back and not doing anything. However, allyship is essential to teach in order to build a strong community. Children need to learn the power and positivity behind speaking up.
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