September 28, 2019

Quote of the Week

How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life, you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

Inclusion: Doing Our Best For All Children

"An often-overlooked outcome of inclusion is the change in attitudes of teachers and parents, as well as the children without special needs. Compassion and sensitivity grow when we face our fears and concerns and help others. Parents report that typically developing children enrolled in integrated settings display less prejudice and fewer stereotypes, and are more responsive and helpful to others. Teachers report that the children without disabilities become more aware of the needs of others when they are enrolled in a class that includes a child with a disability. Inclusive education benefits typically developing children by developing their respect for human diversity.

Inclusion is a value, much like the commitment to racial or gender equality. It may not always be easy. It may require change and accommodation, but the process of inclusion and the encouragement of each individual child allows each person to develop his or her talents and strengths. It also provides opportunities for all of us to develop the much desired qualities of compassion, empathy, and helpfulness. It can teach us and our children that the greater the diversity, the richer our capacity to create a more humane and respectful society." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: The Big Umbrella
By: Amy June Bates,Juniper Bates
Ages: 4-8

"By the door there is an umbrella. It is big. It is so big that when it starts to rain there is room for everyone underneath. It doesn’t matter if you are tall. Or plaid. Or hairy. It doesn’t matter how many legs you have.

Don’t worry that there won’t be enough room under the umbrella. Because there will always be room.

Lush illustrations and simple, lyrical text subtly address themes of inclusion and tolerance in this sweet story that accomplished illustrator Amy June Bates co-wrote with her daughter, Juniper, while walking to school together in the rain." - Publishers

Be the Change

In addition to thinking about diversity as it relates to cultures and physical limitations, there is also a limitation of thought. This week talk about diversity and inclusion in relation to a spectrum of mind, body and spirit with your children. Think of all the different aspects of inclusion that you could 'include' in your well-being this week? For eg. Inclusion of a non-judgemental spirit, of kindness in every act, of different perspectives in a conversation and so on.