Dear friends,

In schools around the world, it is not uncommon to find students wanting to be rid of their differences and just "fit in" with the crowd. A student may internalize, "Why would I want to stick out of the crowd with my holey trousers and shirt that smell of the herbs and spices my family cooks with?" or "I'm the only student here that speaks Spanish. I wish I didn't have an accent." And the list of self-reflections/criticisms about their identity continues. School is a place where students are still learning how to negotiate the social terrain and be respectful, fair, and friendly. They are still learning who they are, what they like and dislike, and how to communicate in a way that is not rude but is clear, concise, and respectful. Students' characters are still developing as is their sense of self-dignity and ethics.

The desire to form bonds of friendship through similarities rather than differences is something all students go through. One thing I encourage my students to do is to embrace and find pride in their differences. Yes, it is a big risk to stick a limb out and say loud and proud that you like the color orange when everybody else likes pink and purple. Yes, you may encounter people who may tease you for being different, for being poor, or for being part of a different ethnic group. But, that does not mean you will not find people who also cherish the same things you do. Yes, you will find solidarity and respect no matter how much you think you are alone.

From an early age, children should recognize that there are many different kinds of people, ways of life, and values. When they take that first risk of recognizing and being proud of who they are, where they come from, and the type of person they want to be, that is the first step in building self-confidence.

A good read aloud to explore the idea of difference and similarity is the book People by Peter Spier. I recommend it here because I encourage all educators to read it to their students.

Dear friends,

Over the past few weeks, I've been reading articles on gang violence, watching videos on people with disabilities, and discussing misunderstandings that can happen in the classroom when students encounter difference and do not know how to respond to it. In trying to figure out how to respond to my students' questions about difference, I began thinking about what the teachers role in responding to difference is and what it means to have inclusive education.

The United States is like a salad bowl; everyone brings a unique flavor and taste without losing itself (or assimilating) to the greater whole. We are a nation that speaks English, Spanish, German, Greek, Chinese, Italian, Korean, Navajo, and many many other languages. With so many languages and cultures mingling and interacting, students will definitely notice differences and similarities in the classroom. Whether it be the type of food friends bring in at lunch (rice, chicken nuggets, pita & hummus, etc.) or the way friends dress, students are acutely aware of difference and similarity. In fact, we as educators teach them how to observe, describe, record, sort, and organize at the most foundational level of education, elementary school.

We teach them how to recognize patterns while also helping them communicate what they see. These skills can be applied in nearly every subject, from math to science to social studies.  What is crucial at this point in development is how they react and respond to comments and questions about difference.

"Why does Johnny have black, curly hair?"

"Why doesn't Stella celebrate Christmas?"

"Can boys wear purple?"

"Why does she need a translator?"

"Is she hurt because she's using a wheelchair?"

These questions can bring up questions about heritage, culture, religion, gender norms, disability, learning English as a second language, and many more connected subjects. I think it's very important that teachers do not silence questions about difference or turn a blind-eye when students are being teased for being different. The classroom must be a safe learning environment because learning only happens when you know you will not be mocked or scorned for your opinions. The teacher sets the tone for what students will soon recognize is intolerable or tolerable behavior and it is the teacher's responsibility to create a safe environment.

As students forming their values and judgments about the world around them, it's important they have a place to explore their ideas and questions without feeling silenced, marginalized, oppressed, or alienated. The classroom I hope to create is one of respect and care. It will be inclusive of all students and their voices will be heard. Every student is important and teachers should value them for who they are and respect them, their background, and their culture.

Teachers must find a way to promote open dialog to help students understand difference and not fear it. The best way to get rid of confusion, misunderstanding, and mistreatment, is talking about it openly in a way that respects differences and supports understanding of other people's perspectives. It seems simple enough, but it is difficult even for many adults to engage in respectful dialog when so much difference exists.

As a teacher, I help my students be informed, critical, and caring citizens of the world. The first step in actualizing this goal is beginning with the way they communicate and listen respectfully. A small step, but one of the most important steps to get right in education.