Inclusivity: The Key to Pride Month
Schools are communities for students, educators and parents to come together and form a safe place of learning and acceptance. Schools are a place where everyone is welcomed with open arms.
Pride Month serves as a time to not only spotlight the history and impact of the LGBTQ+ community but also work towards creating a diverse and inclusive environment inside and outside the classroom; a notion that is important to do all year round.
At Think Together we strive to create inclusive spaces for our students that promote a learning and understanding environment. To support students in becoming keen and objective learners, here are some engaging activities students can do inside and outside the classroom to promote inclusivity, belonging and kindness:
Kindergarten to 5th grade
Elementary students are always looking for the next sign of fun, so why not mix in some learning and make it even more meaningful! An idea for inclusive and creative arts and crafts could be to have students draw what their own family looks like. It’ll help them see that not every family is the same and they take many shapes and sizes.
Creating their own version of what a pride flag is can help students express their own pride in themselves and what it means to be prideful. Reading them books that promote inclusivity and teach them about what Pride Month is and who it represents, is a good way to help them visualize and understand through literature.
Think Together also works with curriculum partners like Fulcrum to supply students with social emotional learning (SEL) activities that support the importance of self-expression, trust, collaboration, encouragement and much more. Fulcrum provides students with physical activities that build confidence and opportunities for connection.
6th grade to 8th grade
Middle school students are in a stage when they are starting to figure out who they are and they are likely going through changes they may not fully understand.
One way to help them feel more comfortable and supported is to create a kindness wall that has positive affirmations for their peers to read. A “Take One, Give One” board is also another way that allows middle schoolers to spread kindness and support by taking a positive affirmation and either giving it to someone or leaving another behind to brighten someone else’s day.
9th grade to 12th grade
High school students tend to be more expressive and have learned to create a set of personal values and opinions that reflect who they are. High school can be a bumpy rollercoaster with emotional twists and turns, so it’s important to remind students to love and accept themselves.
A meaningful and engaging way to help students showcase this is by having them write a love letter to themselves. It helps them develop their creative writing skills and uplift their self-esteem. It could be a letter to their future self, past self, or a thank you for all they’ve accomplished. It’s also important to teach high school students how to be an ally for the community and have social awareness of those around them. It can prevent bullying and encourage empathy and compassion for their peers.
Learn more about how to make the classroom and home a more inclusive environment with these links!
