All Are Welcome

"We're part of a community.  Our strength is our diversity.  A shelter from adversity.  All are welcome here." 

 Now, at the start of summer vacation, the first days of school are the furthest thing from many of our minds.  Yet, before we know it the freedom of summer days will fade into the excitement and possibility that comes with a new school year.  When the time comes for our minds to shift from sunscreen and starlight to our new students, it is important for teachers to think about what tone they want to set and what kind of community they want to create on those first few days. 

All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzzane Kaufman is the perfect book to start the school year with.  It's brightly illustrated pages are filled with diverse representations of ability, race, culture, gender, and family dynamics.  Students can easily find someone who looks like them among the smiling illustrations on the pages.  The authors walk students through the many aspects of a typical day of school, including drop off, instruction, art and music, recess, and lunch which not only serves the purpose of helping students visualize their day but also celebrates all of the different and beautiful ways we can learn and grow from one another.   

With the simple but powerful message that everyone is welcome in their school community, teachers can send a clear message about love and acceptance that is relevant regardless of what age group you teach.  While the book would be perfect for early grades, I could easily see using it in my high school classes as well.  This book serves as the perfect vehicle for setting classroom agreements and talking about differences as assets. What could be more relevant at the start of a year?