To promote racial justice in early mathematics education is paramount to create pro-Black systems, spaces, and experiences centered in the richness of the cultural practices, brilliance, and humanity of Black children and families.

The resources below can help us disrupt antiblackness in our classrooms and schools. These resources are intended to help educators to (i) better understand the intersection of racism and early math education, (ii) develop curricula that honor the right of Black children to thrive, and (iii) engage young children in important conversations about racism in school and society.

Take advantage of these resources and share them with your colleagues!

• Who is Labeled Smart: The Impact of Racial Stereotypes in Early Math Education (RJEM webinar)
  An engaging conversation between Dr. Danny Bernard Martin (University of Illinois Chicago) and Rebeca Itzkowich (Erikson Institute) about the historical and sociopolitical construction of notions of smartness and how such notions perpetuate discriminatory racial stereotypes. Danny and Rebeca provide insights into how educators might disrupt racial stereotypes in their practice.
• Talking to Young Kids about the Guiding Principles of the Black Lives Matter Movement by Laleña Garcia (article)
  Based on the work of kindergarten teacher Laleña Garcia, this resource explains the 13 Guiding Principles of the Black Lives Matter Movement using kid-friendly language and connecting each principle to practices of early childhood classroom. Young learners and educators can further explore each principle with the book What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book authored by Laleña Garcia and Caryn Davison. Make use of this list of children’s books organized by each principle and curated by Garcia and colleagues.
• Too-small Tyson by JaNay Brown Wood and Anastasia Magloire Williams (children’s book)
  A captivating children’s book featuring the math knowledge and skills of Tyson, a little Black boy and youngest sibling of four, as he helps his brothers rescue their family pet. Filled with important math concepts and ideas, Too-small Tyson celebrates Black boyhood and brotherhood while showcasing the ways children engage with math in everyday practices as they explore, play, and discover the world around them.
• The Wonderful Journey to Play by Defending the Early Years Podcast (podcast)
  Play is crucial for children’s math learning and development. However, play opportunities for Black children are jeopardized by banking education, adultification, stereotyping, and other racialized practices (see Shaking Bad Boys by Nathaniel Bryan). In this podcast, Kisa Marx—Founder of The Lab Play Foundation—talks about how she came to understand the importance of play and the process she navigated to center play throughout her professional practice.