DEI in Kindergarten Health Safety, Wellness, Community Workshops

Throughout the school year, Wellan kindergarteners have been participating in weekly “Kindergarten Workshops” that build upon classroom learning and help prepare students for first grade. On a weekly basis, PY3 students meet to attend four different workshops: Writer’s Workshop; Math Club; Science Lab; and Health Safety, Wellness, Community (HSWC). The HSWC workshop is particularly well suited for introducing new and diverse ideas to students, as it presents an opportunity for children to think deeply about what it means to be well and to do well for oneself and for others.  We reflect and share ideas for how we can make our communities safe, healthy, and welcoming to all. 

In one HSWC workshop this year, students explored the beauty and significance of Black hairstyles, learning about styles such as Box Braids and Two-Strand Twists, as well as the importance of the Crown Act in protecting against hair discrimination. Workshop guests Mr. Ryan and Ms. Lillier highlighted the vital role of Black culture in American history, and underscored the importance of respecting personal boundaries.

In another workshop, Ms. Tashi shared stories and insights about her personal journey with hearing loss. Through interactive, hands-on activities, students gained a newfound appreciation for d/Deaf culture and practiced essential communication strategies, such as the basics of ASL and the challenges of lip reading.

And, last month, in a workshop focused on accessibility, a parent volunteer who uses a wheelchair joined us to teach students about the importance of inclusive infrastructure. Children were invited to experience the world from her perspective (they all got a chance to sit in her wheelchair and push themselves around!), and they learned practical ways to offer respectful assistance.

These workshops empower our kindergartners with knowledge and empathy, contributing to the inclusive and welcoming community we strive to cultivate at Wellan. Our students have been enthusiastically engaged during HSWC workshops, and we’ve seen them carry questions and awareness into other learning environments.  We are so grateful to this year’s HSWC guide, Ms. Sachie (right in the photo), for holding the space for this important learning to take place and to the guest instructors for sharing their invaluable stories and insights with our students. We can’t wait to share these experiences with a new cohort of kindergartners next year!