Welcoming is one of our core values. As the time for the New West-Wingers to have their play dates approached, we began to reflect with the children about some ways to make someone feel welcome.
Teacher Adriana: I wonder how we can support the new West Wingers and their families to feel welcome in our community.
Crosby: Maybe we can say, ‘Welcome to New School-West’.
Julian: We can wave, ‘hi’ at them and let them play.
Coco: We can show them where things are and we can support them.
Teacher Adriana: Remember how you felt when you had your play dates?
Ozzie: I was shy, I think, but not anymore. I know how to do things and play with my friends. I’ll support them.
Coco: Lucy, here you’ll need a napkin for your snack. Now you need to find a space to sit down. I can sit next to you.
Ozzie As he notices Will, one of the playdate children, wanting to use the hand drill: Oh, here. Look. Put one hand on the top. Now you need to push to the front. That’s how you make a hole.
Grey: Do you want to try a tomato? We planted them.
Dylan: Yes (walks with Grey to the tomato plant.)
Grey: We need to find one that’s ready. Here, you need to wash it and then eat it. You’ll love it.
Since the moment I began working within this philosophy, I was empowered by its emphasis on seeing others as part of our community. Every year we make an intention to welcome any person who walks in our doors. This welcoming approach begins with celebrating differences as we got to know each other. The children learn that differences are an enriching community component. Observing how the children practice their techniques to welcome others reflects to all us their openness to support others, an openness to continue to foster a caring community, an openness to embrace others’ differences. As educators, we are constantly making the school community reflective of the wider society and we understand how welcoming is a value we want to encourage in an evolving society where our differences can be honored and important. We hope to create and continue a dialogue that takes us to a better understanding of ourselves and others in a more united society. -Teacher Adriana