Identity & Self-Worth
A child’s understanding of who they are, including culture, race, and values.
What is identity?
Messages or stereotypes that negatively influence how society views African Americans.
What is bias or stereotyping?
Affirming a child’s appearance, culture, and identity through daily interactions.
What is cultural affirmation?
Feeling safe, respected, and included at school.
What is belonging?
The ability to recover from challenges and adversity.
What is resilience?
Positive feelings and beliefs about one’s own value and abilities.
What is self-esteem?
The process by which children learn society’s attitudes about race.
What is racial socialization?
Learning about a child’s cultural background to better support them.
What is cultural competence?
Discipline disparities that disproportionately affect Black children.
What is implicit bias in school discipline?
Positive statements children repeat to reinforce confidence.
What are affirmations?
Seeing positive images of people who look like you in books, media, and leadership roles.
What is representation?
This movement emphasized Black pride, identity, and empowerment in the 1960s.
What is the Black Pride Movement (or Civil Rights/Black Power Movement)?
Adults who model confidence and positive identity development.
What are positive role models?
Adults who advocate when a child experiences unfair treatment.
What is advocacy?
Teaching children to recognize and challenge negative stereotypes.
What is critical thinking about media/messages?
This develops when children feel accepted, valued, and respected for who they are.
What is healthy self-worth?
Unequal treatment based on race.
What is racism?
Listening without judgment when children talk about race-related experiences.
What is active listening?
Seeing teachers or mentors who share similar backgrounds.
What is representation?
Safe conversations about race and identity at home.
What are open (racial) dialogues?
Pride in heritage, traditions, and shared cultural experiences.
What is cultural pride?
Stress experienced due to exposure to discrimination or racial bias.
What is racial stress or racial trauma?
Celebrating holidays, traditions, and cultural events meaningful to the child.
What is cultural connection?
Activities that help children explore talents and strengths.
What is strengths-based development?
Encouraging pride while preparing children for bias they may face.
What is preparation for bias?