Week of June 15-19th DIVERSITY

One of the most important themes in Division 11 is kindness to ourselves, others and this place.  We have learnt that when we see something that makes us uncomfortable or that we know is unkind we Say Something.  What is happening in the world right now, and especially in the United States is an incredibly deep and important topic, one that we can address even in Early Primary in age appropriate ways. In the classroom, we learn to honour, to feel comfortable and accepting  without judgement our differences and we have open conversations about our similarities and differences. I never take for granted of all the learning opportunities we are given as it is important to have compassion for others.  I am very proud of all of our friends in our class as I feel that all of our children are inclusive and play with everybody.  They stand up for one another and everyone always looks out for each other.

Division 11 knows that no two skin colours are exactly alike! Our differences are what make the world beautiful. The book titled  “Skin Like Mine” by Latashia Perry is a lovely book. (story will be in our Story with Mrs. Chin section  in our blog).  We made a beautiful piece of art titled, I am special because I am ME.   It has been displayed in frames in the hallways of Montecito. We also did some writing about What a Wonderful World last week.

Most importantly we learn that each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. There are so many ways to tell the world who you are, what you are thinking, and what you believe. And how you’ll make it better. The book titled, “Say Something” by Peter Reynolds is a great story to support this idea.  Please watch the video (story will be in Mrs. Chin’s Story section in our blog) with your child and have a conversation about how they can use their voice to be kind, to be compassionate and to say something if they see something that is not right.  We have read this book in our class. Ms. Field has read many books by Peter Reynolds and I too, love his books!  Furthermore, the book titled, “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfolds depicts a group of kids in a day at their school (story will be in our Mrs.  Chin’s story in our blog).

Thank you for exploring these important topics with your children. This is difficult work, especially with younger children, who need complex topics presented in meaningful but age-appropriate ways. But we cannot shy away from this task – it is too vital and our children are too important.