Social Inclusion is a constantly evolving concept that has been expanded and explored over time as we come to accept, embrace and acknowledge the multiple ways humans express themselves. I have noticed a developing awareness within the schools in my community around the social environment and how we as adults can best support children in creating and maintaining a socially inclusive atmosphere. Children are being supported from preschool age onwards in developing awareness of their role in creating an inclusive classroom where everyone is welcomed and valued.

Schools have long been the place where our children’s social skills; or lack of, have been brought to the forefront. Many would even suggest that the most important learning done at school is the social learning. It is important to note; that if this is the case, we must also recognize that this learning is largely done unguided by adults. While the curriculum focus suggested by the governing bodies of local school districts continue to focus on future work-place skills the children continue to be the social creatures they are and explore this world of human interaction on their own. I have been learning about four separate programs in my community aimed at supporting children socially.

Many local preschools have been implementing a program called Safe Spaces that aims to bring early awareness to children and their caregivers; (including families), about issues such as exclusion and bullying. This program has met with enormous success as demonstrated in classrooms in which all children are valued for the contributions they make. Children are being guided with caring support in creating a compassionate space in which all people are physically, emotionally and socially safe. This careful guiding is something adults have done when teaching children to speak, dance, swim and play and I applaud those who are now recognizing the importance of guiding social interactions with the same awareness and care.

Several local public school have begun to implement both the work of Barbara Coloroso (www.kidsareworthit.com) and Sue Hart/Victoria Kindle (http://k-hcommunication.com/) in supporting a healthy social environment. Using local trainers and written work by Coloroso and Hart the schools have educated the teachers and assistants in how to direct social interactions in a manner that supports each child. Our complacency in allowing difficult and often dangerous social interactions to occur is named by Coloroso and proactive solutions are suggested. The adults in these schools have taken up the challenge and our children are reaping the benefits through increased feelings of safety and confidence at school and a wider social circle that embraces diversity.

Waldorf schools in North America have turned towards Kim John Payne an experienced teacher and counselor for direction in how to manage the social situations at their schools. Kim’s work (Link here) has focused on redirecting children’s behaviour in the moment as well as creating a no blame atmosphere that allows each person to express their experience and decide upon a solution for future interactions. Waldorf schools that have implemented this program for a number of years are seeing drastic enrollment increases specifically linked to the socially supportive environment that is offered.

What would it cost the rest of us to place social learning at a place of importance equal to the other subjects learned at school? Certainly the teachers would be required to update their knowledge; investing time and possibly money to learn the skills needed to carefully guide children through the social environment. School districts would need to respond with openness to the importance of social skills in children’s life and would also need to free up resources for teacher and staff training. As parents we too would need to acknowledge the value of developing social skills to ensure the teachers are supported in their work. This seems like a small shift to make when we look at the benefits our children, families, communities and the wider world receive when everyone is valued and cared for. Social inclusion has wide implications far beyond the classroom but that is where they begin. When we teach from a young age with respect and compassion it reaches into all aspects of our life contributing to a sense of well being that allows us move forth with thoughtfulness and consideration.