
As a mom of three children, it is important to me that they all feel included at school and in society. As an educator, it is my responsibility to teach others about the importance of social inclusion and give examples of how we can do it. The first suggestion I have for adults is to lead by example. When your children or students see you interacting with diverse individuals they will internalize what they see. If you are accepting and compassionate then they will learn to be accepting and compassionate too. If you are cold, dismissive, or disinterested then children learn that it is not important to treat diverse individuals equally.
Until recently, I had not realized that my own actions have influenced my children's actions when interacting with children of varying abilities. I was speaking with a teacher at one of my sons' schools when she began to tell me about this boy who amazes her (she was talking about my son). She went on to describe her impressions of this young child. She explained that she sees him everyday on the bus ramp at the school. She said he is always smiling, talkative, and kind to others. The students in her classroom have various physical and mental abilities that affect how they look and navigate the school community. What really touched me was when she said that she had never witnessed, in all of her years of teaching, a child accept the students in her classroom as equals. This was a proud mommy moment I will never forget. I cannot say that I have specifically taught my children about disabilities. I just explain how we all do things differently in order to accomplish the same task.
I decided to put together a quick resource list for inclusion week. However, I hope you will think about using these resources all year not just during inclusion week. The first set of resources can be used by educators or parents. These three books are a great way of introducing how we can be supportive of others and the importance of acting in a kind way towards others.

by Carol McCloud
This first book is perfect for ages 3-9.

by Carol McCloud
This book is perfect for ages 9 and older.

by Carol McCloud
This book is an extension of the book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?
Visit the Bucket Fillers website for teaching resources to go along with all of these books.

by Mary Anne Prater and Tina Taylor Dyches