Lesli Myers-Small, Ed.D.’s Post

School will be starting soon. As we prepare our children for the new school year, let's take a moment to reflect on the values we instill in them. Teaching our kids about inclusivity and empathy is crucial. It only takes 5 minutes to sit down with your child and explain that there is no reason to make fun of someone for their appearance or background. Let's remind them that there's nothing wrong with wearing the same shoes every day or using a used backpack. Every child's dreams are equally important. Let's educate our children on the importance of kindness and acceptance. Encourage them not to exclude anyone for being different or not having the same opportunities. Remind them that teasing can hurt and that school is a place to learn, not to compete. Remember, education starts at home. Together, let's create a more inclusive and compassionate future generation. #BackToSchool #Inclusivity #Empathy #Education #Kindness

Our society often perpetuates a culture of oppression, where those in positions of power or seniority expect unquestioning obedience. This mentality, whether from a landlord to a tenant or an adult to a child, stifles growth, creativity, and mutual respect. It's crucial that we challenge this norm, especially in our interactions with children. Encourage respectful dialogue, teach kids to express their opinions confidently, and model the behavior of listening to and valuing others' perspectives, regardless of age or status. By fostering a culture of mutual respect and open communication, we can raise a generation that's more empathetic, confident, and capable of creating positive change in society. #parents #parentslife #school #education #educational #educationmatters #teachers #teachersupportteachers #teachersforteachers #teachershelpteachers #teachersinspireteachers #learning #learninganddevelopment #educationfirst #educationispower #parentsupport

Lessons from the playground Today’s post was inspired by reading my son’s Year 6 school leavers’ book last night – a book of memories from the children's time at primary school. One thing particularly stood out for me as a reminder of the power that every one of us has to make an impact on others. Each of the children answered a series of questions, including their favourite memory of school life. One of the girls wrote ‘Joining the school on sports day in reception and Sam Ashley being my buddy and making me feel so welcome and making a new friend.’ Of course there’s an element of proud Mummy in my reaction, but there are some powerful lessons in that memory: ➡ First impressions count: how you show up, particularly in your first encounters, is important ➡ We can all make a difference when it comes to inspiring inclusion and belonging - it’s not just the domain of those with ‘leader’ or ‘manager’ in their title ➡ Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest and most lasting impact: don’t overlook the power of simple human behaviours to shape someone’s experience What can you do today to make a difference to someone else? A smile can go a long way. Happy Friday. 😊 #kindness #humanfirst #inclusion #belonging

Check out this excerpt from the Epilogue of the book, On the Same Team; Bringing Educators and Underrepresented Families Together and you'll want to get the book. Right on - Ari Gerzon-Kessler!

Have you wondered what inclusion looks like in a preschool classroom? This video highlights a typical day in a Bonita Unified School District preschool classroom, which is part of its Building Lifelong Academic Skills (BLAST) inclusion program. Learn what makes this inclusion program successful and how LEAs can create and sustain their own inclusion programs to benefit young students with special needs.

🚀 Four Fresh Ideas for a Positive Classroom Environment 🌟 Celebrating Individuality: The "We Are All Different" Wall A simple yet powerful way to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the classroom. This isn’t just about highlighting differences—it’s about helping children appreciate the unique qualities that everyone brings to the classroom community. 🌟Cultivating a Grateful Mindset: The Gratitude Tree Gratitude can be a game-changer when it comes to fostering a positive atmosphere in the classroom. A "Gratitude Tree" is an easy way to incorporate this mindset into your daily routine, encouraging pupils to focus on the good things, big or small. 🌟Fostering Kindness: The Kindness Chain Imagine a classroom where acts of kindness are so common that they link together to form a chain—literally! The "Kindness Chain" is a simple and visual way to encourage pupils to be kind to one another, with each link representing an act of kindness. 🌟Empowering Pupils: The Affirmation Station Starting the day with a positive affirmation sets the tone for all that follows. An "Affirmation Station" gives pupils the chance to begin each day on a positive note, a confidence boost and reinforces the values you want to foster in your classroom. Find out how we can take your whole school wellbeing to the next level, boosting academic performance and equipping children with the skills they need for life: https://lnkd.in/e9gxzg9A

While scrolling through my feed, I came across an image that made me pause and reflect. It got me thinking deeply—why do we need to uplift others and how can we do this better? Then, I was reminded of a simple truth: A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. In special education, this resonates so strongly. Every time we support, guide, and nurture a child, we're helping them shine brighter without diminishing our own light. The more we uplift each other—students, educators, and families—the brighter the whole community becomes. Let’s continue to light the way for those who need it most. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered future. #inclusive#specialeducator#thoughtful#teamwork#team

🤗 Welcome Back! 🤗 As we welcome our children back to school, it's important to acknowledge the mix of excitement and anxiety that both students and parents may be feeling. The start of a new school year brings opportunities for growth, connection, and learning, but it can also be overwhelming for those who thrive on routine and predictability. To help balance these emotions: 1. Create a Transition Plan: Gradual introductions to the new environment, teachers, and schedule can ease the adjustment. Visual aids or a visit before term starts can make a big difference. 2. Communicate Openly: Encourage children to express their concerns, and work with educators to create strategies for managing any potential anxieties. 3. Establish Routine Early: Consistency fosters security. Build familiar routines at home that can carry over into the school day. 4. Celebrate the Wins: Acknowledge small victories to reinforce positive experiences and confidence. Every child’s journey is unique, and with the right support, we can make this transition smoother. Let’s work together to build an inclusive, supportive school year! #SEN #BackToSchool #Inclusion #EducationForAll The Beckmead Trust

Educators, can you imagine a classroom where every child understands their emotions and thrives with confidence? The Teacher's Toolbox for Every Child turns imagination into reality, providing you with stories and tools to foster these critical life skills. Find it here: https://buff.ly/3KxtS3w #LifeSkills #Education #Empowerment #Inclusion

In a world that’s constantly changing, there’s one trait that remains timeless—empathy. As educators, we often focus on academic growth, but what if the most important lesson we could teach is how to care for others? Empathy is not just a soft skill; it's a life skill. It’s what shapes character, builds meaningful connections, and fosters communities where children learn to understand rather than just react. In early childhood education, creating a culture of empathy is not just an option—it’s a necessity. When we teach children to listen with compassion, to recognize and respect the feelings of others, we are laying the foundation for a kinder, more inclusive future. Empathy doesn't just create better students; it creates better human beings. And that, ultimately, is the goal of education. Children who grow up in environments that value empathy become adults who lead with kindness, resolve conflict with understanding, and uplift those around them. Imagine the power of an entire generation raised to not only excel academically but to truly care about the world they live in. Let’s build classrooms where empathy is as important as literacy, where character is developed alongside knowledge, and where children learn not just how to succeed, but how to make the world a better place. Because when we teach empathy, we are teaching the most valuable lesson of all—how to be human. Empathy is where character begins. Let’s make it the foundation of our classrooms. #educatorlife #empathy #values #betterworld #lifeskill #kindness