Welcome to The Ministry Lab's curated list of resources for developing children's compassion. Here you'll find:
If you don't find a resource to fit your need, don't hesitate to consult with The Ministry Lab's director, Emily Meyer, who is happy to assist you.
Addresses issues children might hear about in the news and may not understand; straightforward and kid-friendly explanations of tough topics; includes ideas for what they can do to help make the world a better, fairer place. Each book has a glossary and additional resources.
The series includes: Culture and Diversity; Rights and Equality; Protecting the Planet; and Rules and Responsibilities.
Building Faith's Picture Books for Antiracists provides an overview for:
The MN Annual Conference UMC's Rev. Dana Neuhauser offers this list of Books That Can Build Empathy for BIPOC Communities.
Doing Good Together encourages families to explore Our [Nation's] Storied History with children to empower all kids with stories that inspire civic engagement and a hunger for justice; includes picture books and books for teens and adults.
Mattress Advisor's Bedtime Stories in response to We Need Diverse Books (a nonprofit working for more diversity in children's books): The list is available in full or broken into these categories:
Find books, curricula, prayer, music, and worship elements (including a full sermon), and community organizations and businesses grouped to help congregations take next steps in antiracism work, creation care, and addressing intergenerational mental health and well-being in the WaterThreads - Woven Together: Water, Community, Well-Being. Available online and via requested download for member congregations - who should email: ministrylab@unitedseminary.edu - for access.
Making Amends for Kids
Help kids consider offering reparations as part of their apologies
Compassion Camp: Be Loved. Be Kind. Be You - Illustrated Ministry
Who Is My Neighbor? - MennoMedia’s 2019 VBS curriculum:
Visit the Wakan Tipi Center, part of the Lower Phalen Creek Project.
THIS set of slides on pronouncing a name from a culture that is not your own is very useful and practical - and helpful when you want to be hospitable and welcoming whether in your building or your neighborhood.
Embrace Race offers a number of resources:
offers “stories and advice on raising kind, caring and resilient children”, which includes tips on “how to talk honestly with children about racism”, book recommendations about race and diversity and questions to discover your child’s thoughts. Many resources are broken into specific age brackets and include links to PBS videos that support the conversation.
