Inclusive Welcomes
Description
What is it?
Inclusive Welcomes are brief, interactive experiences that bring the voice of every participant into the room, making a connection to one and/or to the work ahead, with each perspective-laden, culturally-rich voice being heard, respected and learned from.
Why Use It?
Inclusive Welcomes s establish and help maintain positive relationships. These brief, interactive experiences help to ensure that every student has a voice in the classroom and has value. In addition to providing students a voice, Inclusive Welcomes communicate the importance of the community you are creating as an educator. Practicing and consistently engaging in Inclusive Welcomes can help students and other classroom visitors enter a the space in a calm and orderly way which encourages confidence and agency from students in the classroom.
Quick Tips
Inclusive Welcomes are something you do every day. Consider a special welcoming at the door or call and response that students can begin to predict as a daily part of arriving in your class.
Be sure to consider student trust, relationships, and safety when encouraging sharing. Inclusive Welcomes should never be about everyone having to share or being put on the spot.
Consider making the Inclusive Welcome a part of a slide you display at the beginning of class each day. It could include things like:
Materials needed for the day
Reminders, agenda items
Objectives
Inclusive Welcome Question or Topic that allows you to learn more about students and students to learn about one another
Resources
Did you know?
By implementing SEL content and programming that intentionally weaves in social justice and empowers students as co-creators of equitable solutions, districts can truly emphasize students’ cultural assets, voice, and agency.
Inclusive Welcome and activities are an importnant component of adult SEL as well. How do you encourage welcoming into your spaces at work?
In the 2021-2022 school year, over 60 campuses identified explicit goals about implementing SEL and CP&I practices at their campus as SEED Model Campus. Is yours listed? https://www.austinisd.org/sel-cpi/seed