Photo by Antoine Merour on Unsplash

In today’s world, children hear a lot about people moving from one place to another — sometimes by choice, but often because they have no other option. Refugees are people who have been forced to leave their homes to find safety and peace. For kids, learning about refugees is more than just understanding facts — it’s about growing kindness, empathy, and a sense of fairness.

Imagine waking up one day and not being able to stay in your home anymore.
You don’t know where you’ll sleep, or if your friends will be there tomorrow.
This is the reality for millions of children — refugees — who leave everything behind to find safety. But even in the hardest times, kindness and hope light the way.

Resources to help kids talk about refugees on World Refugee Day are not just valuable — they’re essential. Helping children understand refugees in an age-appropriate, empathetic way is a powerful step toward raising compassionate global citizens. Here’s why these resources matter:

1. They build empathy

Stories, videos, and activities about refugee children help kids imagine life from another’s perspective, nurturing kindness and compassion.

2. They encourage inclusion

Learning about refugees helps children understand why some classmates or neighbors might speak different languages, wear different clothes, or act differently — and how to be welcoming.

3. They connect global issues with human stories

Rather than abstract numbers, kids learn that refugees are people — families, children, dreamers — just like them.

4. They spark meaningful questions

Resources create safe spaces for kids to ask, “Why did they have to leave their home?” or “What can we do to help?”

5. They promote action and hope

Kids can be part of the solution — through kindness, advocacy, or small acts like writing welcome notes or raising awareness in school.

Children are naturally empathetic, and with the right tools, they can understand complex global issues like displacement in age-appropriate, compassionate ways. Here are simple, sensitive ways parents can introduce the topic and build empathy:

1. 🌱 Start with Feelings, Not Facts

Before diving into heavy terms like “war” or “violence,” begin by exploring feelings children understand:

• Ask: “Have you ever felt scared? Or had to move somewhere new?”
• Connect: Refugees are people just like us who had to leave their homes to find safety.

2. 📚 Use Stories and Books

Stories make tough topics easier to understand. Choose refugee-themed picture books that show strength, hope, and resilience. (Stress/anxiety leaves no headspace for storytelling? Fear of not “doing it right”? Check out our YouTube channel @StoryLand By Learning Sutra for a quick, meaningful read-aloud of “Home” — perfect for sharing a quiet moment with your child, even on the busiest days.)

➡️ After watching, ask: “How would you feel in their shoes?”

3. 🎨 Encourage Expression Through Art

Invite children to draw or paint what “home” means to them.

➡️ After reading, talk about how some kids have to leave their homes and build new ones.

4. 🗣️ Use Kind, Clear Language

Use simple definitions:

• “A refugee is someone who had to leave their home because it wasn’t safe.”
• “They are looking for a new place where they can live, go to school, and feel happy.”

5. 🤝 Model Welcoming Behavior

If there are newcomers at school or in the neighborhood:

• Encourage your child to say hello, share a smile, or include them in play.
• Talk about inclusion: “Everyone deserves to feel welcome.”

Teaching children about refugees isn’t about overwhelming them with facts — it’s about planting seeds of empathy, kindness, and global understanding. As parents, even small, thoughtful conversations can help children grow into compassionate individuals who see the humanity in every story. By guiding them gently, we’re not just teaching them about refugees — we’re helping them become the kind of people who make the world a more welcoming place.

Download our Stories Beyond Borders Spark Sheet Bundle below and get ready for some screen-free time with your kids! Alongside these Spark Sheets, you’ll need to watch Story #8 – Home on our YouTube channel @StoryLand By Learning Sutra to get the full context. While watching the story does require a screen, the Spark Sheets themselves can be completed screen-free either after watching or even while following along with the story.

This bundle includes five A-4 size pages (5 Reflective Activities). Ready to print at home or your nearest print shop. These are conversation starters and reflective activities designed to encourage open thinking. Since responses are personal and may vary, there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Hence, Answer Key is provided only where needed.

⭐ If you’re looking for more ideas, conversations starters, or support, you’ll find a lot more over on our Instagram page @TheLearningSutra. It’s a space for parents and educators who want to raise kind, curious, and inclusive kids everyday. Tag us on Instagram to share your stories — we’d love to feature your Spark Moments!

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