SEE • PLAY • LOVE

How to Build Cultural Competence & Racial Literacy with Children

Lucretia Berry  •  February 11, 2025 

I recently had the privilege of leading the SEE, PLAY, LOVE workshop as part of the Abilities Network’s Equity Series, where ninety-nine caregivers joined me online to explore a practical approach, a framework, and resources that help foster positive attitudes, reduce biases, and create a strong sense of belonging for children.

Through interactive activities and developmentally appropriate conversations about phenotype, race, culture, and ethnicity, we uncovered ways to nurture cultural competency and racial literacy in children with confidence and joy.

Why This Work Matters

One of the key questions I posed during the session was inspired by my TED Talk:
Why are we so bad at talking with kids about skin tone and race?

Many caregivers and educators want to do the right thing, but they often feel uncertain or ill-equipped to have these conversations. Yet, research shows that children begin noticing race at an early age and are constantly absorbing messages about it, whether we talk to them about it or not.

Cultural Competence & Racial Literacy for Kids

Cultural Competence
Being able to understand, respect, and build relationships with people from different backgrounds. It helps kids:

• Notice differences without fear.
• Ask questions with curiosity rather than judgment.
• Form friendships with people who may not look or live like them.

Racial Literacy
Learning about race and racism in a way that helps kids understand fairness, kindness, and history. It gives them the tools to:

• Recognize differences with respect and appreciation.
• Identify unfair treatment.
• Speak up and take action in ways that promote equity and belonging.

Common Mistakes & Challenges Caregivers Face

Despite good intentions, there are common missteps that can unintentionally hinder a child’s understanding of race and identity. Here are three challenges to watch out for:

1. Colorblindness Approach. Saying “I don’t see color” or avoiding conversations about race sends the message that differences are irrelevant or should be ignored. Instead, we should celebrate diversity and teach kids to appreciate, not erase, differences.

2. Waiting Until Something Racist Happens. Many caregivers don’t bring up race until there’s a problem (e.g., after a child says something offensive or experiences discrimination). Instead, proactive learning helps children develop the language and understanding they need before issues arise.

3. Overcomplicating the Conversation. Some adults feel they need to be experts before talking about race, leading to avoidance or silence. In reality, simple, age-appropriate discussions rooted in respect, fairness, and curiosity go a long way.

SEE • PLAY • LOVE – A Mindset & Approach for Caregivers

SEE • PLAY • LOVE is best described as a mindset and approach that guides how caregivers engage with children in nurturing cultural competency and racial literacy.

• SEE – Awareness: Recognizing and affirming differences.
• PLAY – Engagement: Using curiosity and joy to explore cultures and identities.
• LOVE – Intentional Care: Taking action to create inclusive environments where all children feel a sense of belonging.

This mindset shifts the focus from fear or avoidance to openness, connection, and learning.

The HUES Framework

I created a simple, powerful learning framework for building cultural competence and racial literacy.

1. Honor common humanity
2. Understand and embrace differences
3. Examine history and systems
4. Shape a just and equitable future

These steps help children (and adults) move beyond passive awareness to active engagement in shaping an inclusive world.

Hues of You Summer Camp: A Model in Action

During the workshop, I showcased lessons from the Hues of You Summer Camp to illustrate the SEE • PLAY • LOVE approach and my HUES Framework in action. Through interactive activities, engaging discussions, and creative expression, these lessons nurture cultural competence and racial literacy in children with confidence and joy.

Next Steps: Intentional Learning for an Inclusive Future

Intentional learning experiences shape understanding, build connections, and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. By embracing SEE • PLAY • LOVE and the HUES framework, caregivers and educators can empower children to navigate differences with compassion, awareness, and respect.

Would you like to bring SEE • PLAY • LOVE to your school or community? Let’s connect!

Happy Book Birthday!

On February 22, 2025, Hues of You – An Activity Book for Learning About the Skin You’re In  turns three! For the past three years, this little book has helped families, educators, and children celebrate their unique skin tones, build cultural competence, and nurture racial literacy with confidence and joy.

I’m so grateful for every caregiver, teacher, and child who has embraced this resource. Let’s keep the learning and love going!