Whenever we talk to our kids about justice issues we can be positive, because there are so many ways we can help! Even though the topics can be heavy, we can make a difference, and that’s something to be excited about.
In the United States we have many options for education. Even here, not every opportunity is equal, nor every school district. Globally this is even truer. Many students, especially girls will never have the opportunity to attend school and better their lives. Opening up kids worldview of school is a great place to start. Once they understand that education is a gift that others don’t have so easily, families can begin making a difference beginning in their own schools and expanding locally and globally.
Equal Access to Education Discussion Starters:
Help your family go deeper:
- What factors make acquiring education difficult for kids?
- Child labor- some kids need to support their family instead of going to school
- Access- some kids lack transportation or a close school to attend
- Money- some areas lack resources to have school supplies, teachers, or safe buildings
- Disabilities- some schools do not have resources to help students with disabilities
- Gender- poverty forces some families to choose who to educate and they choose boys before girls (so girls can work, do chores, or watch siblings.)
- Violence- war or conflict keep some kids at home instead of attending school safely
- Hunger- can make learning difficult for students
- Immigration- language and cultural assimilation can create challenges to learning
- Are their schools in our area that have less than others?
- After thinking about barriers, how do you feel about receiving free education through twelve grade?
Kids Books About Equal Education Opportunities
Read more about this selection of kids book here.
16 Ways to Take Action!
- Watch the documentary film Girl Rising. (Watch ahead of time to pick the segments you want to show, some are more appropriate for middle school age and up.)
- Girl Rising Youtube channel shows many small clips and features about the film
- Read a book on-line with your kids and a book is donated with We Give Books.
- Five toolkit ideas for raising money for the organization Room to Read.
- Read the book Kaboom Go out and Play to support KaBoom efforts to create play spaces for all school kids.
- Encourage your kids to help with school support: have them cut boxtops, participate in programs, and see you volunteer your time.
- Read The Story of Maya on-line, every time you share or like a post money is donated to CARE through General Mills.
- Watch the slideshow 20 Unique Ways Kids Get to School
- Watch a slideshow of the life of Malala advocate for global education and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Watch the slideshow 10 Barriers to Education around the World
- Pick a book to give through First Book Gift Catalog (you can even dedicate it to a loved one.) Book are then donated to schools in need.
- Use the lesson Should All Children Go to School from Generation On
- Watch the PBS Time for School Series that visits seven classrooms on seven continents.
- Help your students THANK the teachers in their lives
- Use the Global Education First Youth Advocacy Toolkit on Issuu
- Cultivate thankfulness in your kids at their opportunity to attend school
An Access to Education Twitter List to Follow.
Follow our About Proximity #TalkJustice Pinterest Board.
#TalkJustice Summer Serve Play Groups! Come over to our Facebook Event Page to learn more. Invite friends! We will be exploring topics and making a difference in community, using a series of books donated to us from CitizenKid. Hosted by About Proximity (that’s me) and my Mom, a public school family advocate for two decades.
What have been your insights into equality and access in education?
About Proximity 