“What About People Like Me?” Teaching Preschoolers About Segregation and “Peace Heroes”

February 5, 2026

A preschool teacher describes her experience implementing anti-bias curriculum focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 's life and work with her 4- and 5-year-old students. When reading about Rosa Parks and bus segregation, the teacher faced challenging questions from confused children, prompting difficult decisions about how much historical context to share regarding racial injustice.

Who is affected

Nadia Jaboneta (the preschool teacher/author)
4- and 5-year-old preschool students in her classroom
Specific students mentioned: Elena (a multiracial child), Jane, Marie (a white child), and Sofia
The teacher's colleagues at the preschool
Families of the children in the classroom

What action is being taken

The teacher and colleagues are studying the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as part of anti-bias curriculum
They are incorporating discussions about fairness, kindness, and inclusion during morning meetings, small group activities, read-alouds, and regular conversations
The teacher is observing and listening to children's questions about current events and history
The teacher is reflecting on her teaching approach using a "Thinking Lens"
The teacher, children, and colleagues are thinking together about their roles as "Peace Heroes" in their communities
The class is singing the song "What Can One Little Person Do?" by Sally Rogers

Why it matters

This work matters because it demonstrates that young children are capable of engaging with complex social justice concepts when presented appropriately, and that early childhood is a critical time to develop understanding of fairness, empathy, and civic responsibility. The classroom exchange revealed that even preschoolers can grasp segregation's unfairness and recognize their collective responsibility to address injustice, regardless of whether it directly affects them personally. The experience highlights the essential role educators play in helping children develop critical thinking about equity issues and empowering them to see themselves as agents of positive change, preparing them not just for future academic learning but for active participation in creating a more just society.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint