This short story is perfect for kids aged 5–10 and gently introduces the concept of racism, fairness, and treating everyone with kindness, no matter what they look like or where they come from. It’s an engaging and age-appropriate story that opens the door for important conversations between parents and children. Ideal for classroom discussions, bedtime reading, or storytime at home. Scroll down to read the story or listen to the audio version below.
A Special Lesson - Racism
It was March 21st, and the children were chatting quietly in their classroom.
“Good morning, children,” said teacher Susy.
“Good morning, teacher,” the children replied in chorus.
“Today is a special day. It’s the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, so we’re going to have a very special lesson. We’ll learn what the word ‘racism’ means.”
“Racism???” the children asked all together.
“What is it?” asked Tommy.
“A fruit?” added Margaret.
“A show?” asked Gabriel.
“A game?” continued Camilla.
“None of those, children,” said teacher Susy, chuckling. “Racism is when someone is treated badly just because they look different from us or believe in a different religion.”
“Teacher!” said James, raising his hand. “I don’t understand.”
“That’s okay, it’s not easy to understand. Not too long ago, a very cruel man got the power to control a big country, and he made people believe that his ideas were the best. He was very powerful, and in the past, he hurt many people because he thought that only people like him deserved respect.”
“But that’s not fair!” interrupted Anne.
“I know, sweetheart, it’s not fair at all… This man especially went after Jewish people…”
“I’m Jewish!” shouted Tommy.
“What does ‘Jewish’ mean?” asked Gabriel.
“A Jewish person believes in one God, just like Christians, but they don’t believe in Jesus,” explained teacher Susy.
A chorus of “Ahhhh” came from the children.
“And why was he so mean to the Jewish people?” asked one of them.
“Well,” the teacher began, “this man believed that some kinds of people were better than others, and that others were worse…”
“Like the Jewish people!” said Margaret.
“Exactly,” answered teacher Susy. “He did horrible things to them just because he believed they were enemies, even though they weren’t. And sadly, he didn’t stop there—he was also cruel to people with darker skin.”
“Like me?” asked Kamal.
“Yes, sweetheart, just like you.”
“But that’s not fair!” said Anne angrily. “It’s not their fault if they have darker skin! I don’t like that mean man at all. He was really, really bad!”
“I know, my dear. And the worst part is that even today, some people still treat others badly just because they have darker skin. Those people are called ‘racist’.”
“Teacher…” James called out, “so racism is when people who are different from us get treated badly?”
“That’s right, James.”
“I don’t like racism!” said Camilla. “I don’t care if someone’s skin is white, brown, green, blue, or purple. If they’re nice, I’ll play with them anyway!”
All the children agreed with their classmate’s words.
“Don’t worry, Kamal, we’ll always be your friends!” said Anne.
“Children, I’m so proud of you!” said teacher Susy, touched. “And remember: it’s not the color of your skin that matters, it’s what’s in your heart.” ❤️
If you liked this story, we invite you to check out Storyender powerful values-based stories for kids. Each one helps children understand important life lessons in a gentle, fun, and memorable way.
