On Thursday, we welcomed a new family into our community in the West Wing: Uma Ahmed and her parents, Farooq and Priya, as well as her sister Layla. Part of our NSW culture is to make sure that everyone in our community feels welcome. A few of the strategies we use are to call the children in pairs for appointments rather than individually, so they can feel connected to someone from the start of their day; to invite the children to support each other so they can see each other as resources; and to go to snack with the children who are in the appointment with them.
The children were excited to show Uma different parts of the classroom.
Golda: Here’s your cubby.
Levi: We have a ball pit and flashlights!
Santiago: Can I have an appointment with Uma? This is where you get a napkin.
Santiago, who has a relationship with Uma’s family, invited Uma to share an appointment with her.
Jack: I can support you with your lunchbox.
The children are recognizing the strategies that the teachers have put into place are ways in which they can connect with someone and engage with someone. They are finding unique ways to make Uma feel welcomed that feels meaningful to them. We are excited to see how their relationships grow as we move forward. -The West Wing