All are Welcome
“We’re part of a community. Our strength is our diversity, a shelter from adversity.”
“All Are Welcome” is a brilliantly illustrated book with a simple and powerful message.
The phrase, “All are welcome here,” is repeated on each page in a sing-song manner. This repetition drives home the idea that all means all - not some or a few. In the story, we follow a class of students who represent children of America with remarkable diversity. They are different, for sure, but find many ways to work together, play together and enjoy their friendships.
We love to share this story with children at any time, but especially at the start of a new school year. Much of what we learn in school is about how to treat one another. This story reinforces the message of acceptance for all using the school as a space where that is made possible.
The pandemic has given rise to wide-spread virtual learning. Because of that, school may look different than how it is depicted in this story. However, the message of accepting all still resonates -perhaps even more so.
As we sign on in the morning to our children’s Zoom classroom, not only are we offering a look into our own homes, but we are also are entering the homes of every other student.
In a typical, in-person classroom setting that just doesn’t happen. In school, children can choose how to represent stories from home, their family and culture. Online, we aren’t necessarily offered that filter. Children will and do notice what is the same and different in the background of each child’s image on the screen. Most of us unintentionally make assumptions based on what we see.
Use this book and stories like it to interrupt these assumptions. We can do so by initiating conversations that celebrate our differences and find commonalities that connect us. Research about the cultures of the students you find in this story - especially those that are unfamiliar. Doing the work with you child.
Imagine the conversations that could come from this!
When we see ourselves positively portrayed in print and in media, our experiences are validated and we’re shown that we are valuable. Every child should see him/herself in a book. We hope that your child does too.
Some things to think about…
What does it mean to be welcoming?
In the story, there were many different children. Did you find anyone who looks like you? What is the same about all of us?
Create a banner for a space in your home (or outside!) that portrays the message “All Are Welcome Here.” This message can be conveyed with pictures, collage, or other words that mean the same thing. Bonus points if you can research how to say “welcome” in a new language!
