Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. A school is an excellent place for them to learn about people and how to include everyone regardless of their differences. Exclusion can cause myriad problems for kids and disrupt their learning experience. Here are some ways to help your child have a more inclusive environment at school.
1. Model Inclusive Behavior
Kids learn first and foremost at home by watching you. Build a solid foundation of understanding with your kids so they know how to be inclusive in their thoughts and actions. Teach your kids to recognize others’ differences to help them understand. Start as young as possible with multicultural and inclusive toys that teach your child to accept all races, disabilities, and differences.
Everyone is unique—your child should see you accept and embrace those differences so they follow suit. Watch shows and movies that involve diversity and read diverse books together to teach your kids that everyone is different but equal. Seeing or reading about different scenarios and situations can give your kids an idea of what worlds besides their own may look like. Learning can teach them how to be kind and inclusive in their lives and at school.
2. Advocate for Inclusion Policies
Learn as much as possible about programs that your children’s school offers. If you aren’t comfortable with their inclusivity practices or lack thereof, you can report them. Schools have to follow guidelines to avoid ADA violations. Check out the playgrounds and ensure they’re properly equipped and accessible for everyone, including handrails on ramps and other walkways.
Ensure kids with disabilities have proper support, like translation services for deaf or hard-of-hearing students. Go to school board meetings and stand up for what’s right if the school isn’t providing these services. Advocate for diversity and inclusion and collaborate to find solutions that involve everyone and meet proper codes and standards. A personality test offers valuable insights, fostering inclusivity by understanding each child’s unique traits.
3. Get Involved in the Classroom
One of the best ways to make your child’s school more inclusive is to get involved in their classroom. Reach out to your child’s teacher and get acquainted so you can follow up at home on what they’re teaching in class. Teachers and parents can support one another by working together to build an inclusive environment where everyone thrives.
Inclusivity helps students in many ways, from building self-esteem to minimizing behavioral issues and absences. View your child’s teachers as your allies. Get acquainted and offer your assistance with classroom activities and special events. Offer ideas and insights to teach inclusion in the classroom in a fun and engaging way. A diversity tree is an excellent way to teach kids equal value and importance despite differences.
4. Encourage Asking Questions
Kids shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. An open line of communication can ensure that your child understands those around them, which can help them better understand themself. Once kids understand others’ differences, they can cater to their strengths and weaknesses. A child with ADHD can thrive once their symptoms are identified and nurtured. You should ask so you can understand, right? Ask open-ended questions to help your child feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts or concerns.
If you need time to come up with an appropriate answer to one of their questions, take the time you need and return to the conversation later. Or, you can learn together. Don’t be afraid to let your child know you don’t have all the answers. You can research together to find the answer you’re searching for. Encourage your child to ask questions at school too. They should feel safe in their classroom and be encouraged to learn and understand so they can grow.
5. Join a Parent-Teacher Group
Collaborate with parents and teachers to generate ideas for change. You might be surprised how many like-minded parents there are when you put yourself out there. If the school board doesn’t meet the needs of your students, consider running yourself or choosing someone to help campaign. Contact and join the local PTA—if there isn’t a PTA in your area, you can start one. For example, if the school’s demographics aren’t diversified, what can you do to change the hiring process?
Start or join a support group to see what changes you can make to help your kids. Teachers can give you insight into the policies and the steps you can take to make appropriate changes. You can promote inclusion and diversity in many ways through your community and the classroom to help create an environment where students feel like they belong, understand and accept one another and thrive off of their differences.
Making Schools More Inclusive
As a parent, you may not feel like you have control over how inclusive your child’s school is. You have as much control as you allow yourself to. Get involved in many ways to advocate for your child’s learning environment. Education paves the way for your child’s success so you want to ensure that every area of your child’s learning experience is nurtured and supported.