Objective: This activity aims to help students identify and express what makes their school a uniquely supportive and welcoming place for everyone.
Activity Description:
- Creation: Set up a physical display board or a digital platform titled “What Makes Our School Special?” Ensure the space is accessible and visible to all students.
- Participation: Encourage students to contribute by posting drawings, photos, or written messages that highlight the people, places, and activities at school that make them feel included and valued.
- Reflection: Invite students to view the wall over the week and discuss the various contributions, exploring what these shared experiences mean to them and their peers.
Instructions for Teachers:
- Setup: Choose a central location for the display wall or set up a digital board that is easily accessible to all students. Decorate the area to make it inviting and ensure there are adequate supplies like markers, paper, and drawing materials.
- Encouragement: Actively encourage every student to contribute by providing class time for this activity. Offer support and ideas to help students express their thoughts and feelings about what makes their school special.
- Inclusivity Checks: Make sure that the activity is inclusive, with considerations for students of all abilities to participate comfortably. Provide alternative methods of contribution for students who might find it challenging to write or draw.
- Discussion Facilitation: Arrange a time, perhaps at the end of the week, for students to gather around the wall. Lead a discussion on the different posts, asking students to explain their contributions and discuss the themes that emerge.
- Documentation: Consider documenting the wall’s content through photos or a digital archive. This can be shared with the school community, including parents and staff, to extend the impact of the activity beyond Inclusive Schools Week.
Connection to Inclusion:
This activity not only allows students to express what they cherish about their school environment but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. It provides a platform for students to celebrate the diversity within their school and recognize how these diverse elements contribute to making their school a special place for everyone.