All Are Welcome Literature Guide
School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of all backgrounds, abilities, and appearances are welcome. This book is a rhythmic, colorful tour of the first day of school and all of the activities taking place. The pages are filled with diversity of all types, warmth, and an inclusive “all are welcome here” mantra. One page has the text that is the theme of the book, "We’re part of a community. Our strength is our diversity."
Literature Guide by Lisa Sandor
Before Reading
Ask: On the first day at a new school or group gathering, have you ever worried that other children may not welcome you or want to be your friend? Many children all over the world feel that way. What can you do to make others feel welcome?
Show: Look at the children and activities on cover of the book. Talk about the similarities and differences you see.
Connect: Let us read this book together and see if we can find a child in the pages that looks just like you or who is doing something you like to do.
During Reading
Ask: How do you think your friends are like you and different from you? How do you show kindness to people who are different from you? What are some kind things you do for each other? Why is it important to be kind?
Show: Look at all of the children and parents saying hello and goodbye. Talk about how each home is different. Everyone practices different routines, faiths, eating habits, and ways of getting to school. Families have different hair, skin, and eye color and come from places from all around the world. As we read the book, look carefully at the interesting kids and activities, and talk about the many differences you see. Think about why the differences make each person interesting and the school community stronger.
Connect: How do you get to and from school? Have you ever ridden on a bus? How about a taxi? Do you walk to school alone or with your family?
After Reading
Ask: Would you like to attend this classroom? What makes people feel welcome here? What did you learn that you would like to try in your school or group?
Show: Point out some things children doing in the pictures that tells you they are being kind to one another.
Connect: You might hear people say that someone different is weird. Why do you think they might say that? Is different weird? What do you think are the good things about getting to know people who are different from us?
Activities
- Draw a picture of a group of people you meet with. That might be a classroom, sports group, faith group, or other interest area. Show the differences of looks, colors, activities, and actions of the people in your group. Show how your community is stronger because of all the differences and kindnesses that make people feel welcome.
- Create a Poster that reads, "All Are Welcome Here." Be creative with images that show warmth and interest in people's uniqueness.
- Make a list of all the places that you go where you feel welcome. What are some ways you can make someone else feel welcome there. Write a list of five kind things you can do and make a plan to do them.
- Say something when you see someone feeling sad or unwelcomed. Speak up to let the child know you care. Tell them they are important and that they are welcome to play with you. Be kind.
- Draw your family doing something you do that you think other families don't do. Maybe you have a routine, holiday tradition, or good-bye habit that you always do.
- Read the book "The Day You Begin". How are these two books similar?