As we close out our 30 Days of Play and look out today at our ever-growing divided world, we realize how powerful the mission of inclusion is for our children. Inclusion creates an invaluable opportunity to see beyond our differences, to begin to discover how many similarities we share.
From this, the seeds of respect, understanding and friendship can grow. Inclusion is a gift, not only for our children, but for a world in great need of a bridge that can begin to unite us as we face the great challenges ahead.
What role does inclusion play in your life? In your children’s? In your family’s core values? How are you including those that are different than you? Begin today and help build a more united world for tomorrow, one small connection at a time. Godspeed!
Here’s how you can start:
- Adults are the models children learn from in order to understand the world around them. Pair social-emotional learning activities with conversations on the value of inclusion, diversity, and acceptance: confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2013/03/28/expanding-the-circle-teaching-children-inclusion/
- From encouragement stones to kindness bingo, this list of activities will inspire kids to see how acts of kindness can be fun and lighthearted but leave others with a big impact. scarymommy.com/random-acts-of-kindness-kids/
- Opportunities to foster inclusion and kindness can be found in typical activities around your neighborhood. You can even plan for a future play date (or an early virtual date) in your home! Visit our list of inclusive tips and resources to stimulate growth in all directions and promote lifelong friendship: inclusionmatters.org/playathome
Did you know that Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration education and outreach programs teach compassion? We do this by pairing children of all abilities. After a few hours on the playground, typically developing kids are able to understand better what life is like for their buddies with special needs. In the end, they learn that they have more in common than they ever imagined. Learn more at inclusionmatters.org.
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