Further to the point PM Burrage makes about children using white card as a starting point for face-or mask-making (Letters, 12 December), I agree that it can only reinforce the racist attitudes in society that black children experience and that white children can adopt from a young age. Children should be provided with a full range of paper colours so they can choose for themselves what colour they wish to start with. But the critical point is also that practitioners should talk openly and positively with children about the range of skin tones in our society and stress that none is more important than another.
Further to the point PM Burrage makes about children using white card as a starting point for face-or mask-making (Letters, 12 December), I agree that it can only reinforce the racist attitudes in society that black children experience and that white children can adopt from a young age.
Children should be provided with a full range of paper colours so they can choose for themselves what colour they wish to start with. But the critical point is also that practitioners should talk openly and positively with children about the range of skin tones in our society and stress that none is more important than another.
This will help children to understand their feelings and attitudes, and go some way to challenging racism.
Gina Houston, Vice-chair, Early Years Equality (formerly EYTARN).
