Before the Winter Break, we informed the children that a new child named Kai would be joining the West Wing when they returned. When we showed the children Kai’s family photo, these were the children’s questions:
Ozzie: I want to know if he likes trains.
Isla: Does he like to collect flowers?
Miro: Does he like to collect caterpillars and butterflies?
Everly: Does he like to pick pumpkins and put them in a pumpkin pie?
Beatrice: Does he like to wear shoes?
During Kai’s first day we went back to those questions and he answered them for everyone.
Kai: Yes, I love trains! Butterflies are one of my favorite things. I like to go to the butterfly garden in Boston. I bake with my Mama and do eat pumpkin pie. Sometimes I like to take my shoes off!
The children also worked on a large collage for him. They pasted their pictures to it so he would know who worked on it. Kai noticed his own and said, “That’s me.” Since then, Kai has been making connections during appointment times. After his first appointment with Gus in the clay exploration area, Gus walked around the school saying, “Kai is my friend.” A few days later, Gus asked a teacher, “Where is Kai sleeping?” (He sleeps on the other side.) “Oh, I wish he was on my side because we are friends.”
Our community has developed together since our first days in August. It’s nice to see them welcome a new student so warmly. We hope Kai’s welcome is a true reflection of the work we’ve all done together for seven months as another generation of citizens carries on the NSW culture.