Getting Into the Groove of Back to School!: Creating an Inclusive Environment for All Students

Back to school time has arrived. You've prepared your classroom to showcase all the excitement of learning: colorful, uplifting posters on the walls, name plates taped to each students' desk, and school supplies arranged neatly in an inviting manner. But what's next? Of course, the arrival of students!

After a long summer of fun and play, it's time to hit the books. Why not try out some the following ideas to help guide your students into an easier transition back to another school year?

Make sure to speak to your administrators before implementing any of these steps. Certain schools may have restrictions on what you may or may not do in your classroom. 

1. Design a Back to School Bulletin Board using your students own words and artwork. Pre-program decorative paper cutouts in the colors of the rainbow with each student's name and a question relating to something that is their favorite thing such as favorite color or have them write something that they would like to learn or do this school year. When the students have finished, attach each shape onto the bulletin board in a rainbow shape. Title the bulletin board as such: Our Class Creates A Rainbow of Possibilities or another rainbow-themed title. 
2. Pair each student with a "Back to School Buddy". This way, each student learns to get along with a variety of students in the class. Remember, you need to choose who is paired with who, otherwise you will get a non-inclusive environment where only friends or the popular children will be paired together. Make sure to create this list before the school year starts. Talk to the students previous teachers to make sure your "Back to School Buddies" are a perfect fit. 
3. Create a Global Pen Pal Project with a school in another country. Students will learn about a different culture and distinct holidays that are part of the cultural fabric of a different land. By doing this, children will recognize that even though they may be different from these foreign students they are also quite the same. 
4. Pick a few community projects each year for the students to participate in. Whether it be creating a mitten tree for needy children around the holidays, writing or visiting the elderly in retirement homes, or starting a food drive for the homeless these activities matter! They provide an introduction to community service and develop a feeling of being part of a wider world than themselves. 
5. Have your students visit younger grades in your school!  The younger students will love seeing the "big kids" who serve as mentors to younger children. Your students can read to them, play with them during free choice/centers time, or even help them with crafts! The teachers would probably really enjoy the extra hands and your students gain  a greater interest in helping others. Remember to speak to the classroom teachers before starting this activity. 
6. Start a class blog. Do not post children's pictures on the blog. While some educators do this, you will need premission from the students' parents and your administrators first. You can always blur out the childrens' faces or place a randon image such as a circle on the top of their faces too, but always ask permission beforehand. You can have your students write the content that you and the rest of the class have brainstormed throughout the month or post information about what your class is learning on a weekly or daily basis. An example would be having the children take pictures of an art project you made or the garden you were growing etc. Have the children choose your blog colors and design too. Each month, choose a different student (s) to write, take pictures, or update the blog. This is an amazing way to increase digital fluency and help the children broaden their written language skills. Remember, to always proofread and view the content before it goes live. 

What ways do you create an inclusive environment for your students? Please comment below!