The recent protests sparked by the death of George Floyd have affected families with young children in many ways. Some children are seeing protests in their own neighbourhoods. Others are hearing their families talk about the protests or they are seeing news coverage. Many children are aware that adults in their lives are upset and anxious, but they may not know why.

How parents talk with their children about the protests will certainly be influenced by each family’s lived experience with racism and their beliefs about how change happens. All children are impacted by racism in one way or another and most children will benefit from an opportunity to talk with their families about what’s happening.

This video from National Geographic may help.

We are so proud here at Orley Farm of Kyran (Year 6) and Shai (Year 3) Nasim. They shared photos from the weekend protests and a video which aims to spark a conversation and more reflection between the children about the world we live in and how it has been shaped by history. Please see the video below which is age appropriate for Middle School and Upper School children.

Our aim is to create a Firefly page where we can encourage this conversation and how important it is to listen. We are calling for photos, thoughts, images, poetry, artwork, anything which will provoke reflection, from both parents and children. Please email anything you would like to share to me at:

gentlesm@orleyfarm.harrow.sch.uk.

I look forward to receiving your contributions and hope to add them to the dedicated music page, video page, photo page or quote page (I am sure that we will populate many more examples) as we build and share for meaningful and purposeful action.

Ms Melanie Gentles