Richardson ISD’s Refugee Services Program serves over 900 students and their families. This number varies depending on world circumstances. Below are examples of kid friendly activities and conversation starters to facilitate understanding and knowledge about refugee students.
Use age-appropriate language and explanations:
Tailor your discussion to the child’s level of understanding and their age. For younger children, use simple terms like “people who had to leave their homes to be safe.” For older children, you can introduce more complex concepts such as war, persecution, or economic hardship.
Focus on empathy and compassion:
Facilitate conversations with language that sparks empathy and compassion such as, “Starting a new school in a new country could be scary and challenging…How can we make refugee children feel welcomed in our schools?” Highlight that refugee children may share similar interest and hobbies as their peers.
Be honest but avoid graphic or disturbing details:
It’s important to be truthful about why people become refugees, but avoid details that might be too upsetting. Focus on the fact that people are seeking safety and a better life.
Highlight positive stories of resilience:
Share child friendly inspiring stories about refugees who have overcome challenges and found success in their new homes.
Discuss ways to learn more about refugees:
Talk about organizations that help refugee children and ways your family might contribute. This could include donating clothes or toys, volunteering, or simply being welcoming to new families in your community and/or attending cultural events in the community. You and your child could learn about food recipes, music, or traditions from other countries.
Use books, media, or activities to aid understanding:
There are many children’s books about refugee experiences. Reading these together can be a great way to start conversations. You could also watch age-appropriate documentaries about refugees.
Encourage questions and open dialogue:
Create a safe space for children to ask questions. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say so and offer to find more information together.
