Inclusion: Everyone Deserves a Loving Hand
An Anti-Bias Education Reflection by Moon Beams Teacher Hannah
While playing in the garden, the Moon Beams wanted to play a big spinning game. Friends began to grab each other’s hands to form a circle - but there was a problem - some friends did not want to hold each other’s hands. There was exclusion happening. How would we solve this problem?
We stopped our game - we would not keep playing until everyone felt valued and included! As we are building empathy for one another, we talked about how we each might feel if someone wouldn’t let us hold their hand. Friends shared this would make them feel sad, angry, frustrated, and excluded. I asked if we could keep playing a game if someone felt these emotions. “No!” shouted the Moon Beams. We talked about the idea that everyone deserves a loving hand.
I watched as the Moon Beams reached their hands out to one another. They no longer moved their hand when someone reached out or asked to hold a different hand- we all held onto one another with excitement! The Moon Beams laughed together as they spun and spun- we were able to share joy together!
Moon Beam Teacher Hannah
Teacher Hannah Reflects
In our classroom, we want to build an inclusive community where each friend is loved, valued, and welcomed. I’m noticing where preferred play groups can lead to moments of exclusion, most often in group games or at mealtimes. I see the Moon Beams responding to boundaries and messages that center inclusion and community and will continue to highlight stories and moments where they include one another in their play. I also plan to challenge the Moon Beams to play with and get to know other friends that they might not connect with as much. Next week I will invite the Moon Beams and their families to create placemats so that at mealtimes we can mix up who we sit with. What wonderful things we will share and learn about one another!