*Kids say the darndest things* (Thanks to Art Linkletter.)
Our school started in late August and I teach 1st grade in a school that is primarily Asian (as in 99% and all of the same ethnic group of which I will choose not to name in order to retain confidentiality). Anyhoo, today it finally happened. Today the question of race/ethnicity came up in this form:
"Ms. Holly, why is your face so white?"
I immediately thought that I had white chalk on my face, but further questioning revealed that that was not the case. Luckily this question came up while we were lining up for lunch and so I was able to reply that we would talk about it later. "Lucky" because I am not sure how to even "go there". I grew up in a primarily "white/Caucasian" community and only truly began to understand and see the diversity of races, ethnicities, cultures, sexualities, and genders when I moved away from home at the age of 18. My issue is that I want to approach this in the best way possible and ensure that I best explain why I am so different looking to these children (many of whom spend almost all their time outside of school around people of their own ethnic group). Any suggestions (especially books for children on race and ethnicity)? Have you dealt with this before? Help, please!