Ten Lessons That Children Learn from Inclusive Classrooms

I have stated previously that I am on the fence about inclusion.  I am both for and against it on a case to case basis.  That being said, in the situation where a child is a good fit for an inclusive classroom and the parents were unsure, or if a non-disabled child's parents were against a disabled child joining the classroom, I would share this wonderful list by: Mara Sapon-Shevin, from Widening the circle: The power of inclusive classrooms.

1. Understanding differences: Children understand and value differences when they are surrounded by them.

2. Perspective taking: Children learn that not everyone experiences the world the same way they do.

3. Real safety: Being different does not automatically mean separation and exclusion.  Being in real safety means that children know that they are accepted and supported for who they are regardless of their differences.

4. Exclusion hurts everyone: Being in the same classroom with children who are different allows children to reach out and ask "Do you want to play?" as opposed to "We don't want you to play with us."

5. Compassion: Being educated with children who have various abilities and disabilities allows children to "feel with" one another and treat each other with open heart, understanding, and compassion.

6. Giving and getting help graciously: Being in inclusive classrooms helps children feel useful and valued for their contributions, and teaches them that every person is involved with various levels of helping and being helped.

7. Responsibility to one another: Inclusive classrooms teach children to think about "we" rather than "I".  Children who are educated in inclusive classrooms learn that they are a community-- that a blow to one is a blow to all.

8. Honesty about hard topics: Children who are educated in inclusive classrooms and grow up surrounded with individual differences learn a vast repertoire of skills and attitudes about uncomfortable and painful topics.

 9. Courage: Inclusive classrooms provide children with examples and opportunities for many kinds of bravery.

10. Faith and hope: Inclusive classrooms teach children that acceptance, love, and support are possible and that persons can make a difference even if they mat not see the results of their efforts immediately