Inclusion and Diversity

"Diversity and Coherence" by Peter Moss

“The value of diversity lies in its recognition and welcoming of otherness, its resistance to any form of referential norm, and its insistence that there are alternative perspectives, other ways of understanding the world and practicing life. It creates space for the construction of individual, group and local values, identities, and knowledge. In education, valuing diversity enables a pedagogy of difference, the creation of new knowledge, and new thought through the provocation of an encounter with otherness. It is a profoundly democratic value, welcoming participation of all on their own terms and with their own perspectives. "

To share a personal story, my Home Sweet Home alum got into an argument with her same aged cousin about same-sex parents, essentially taking the position that they exist. Her cousin was incredulous and insistent that this is not possible. The children's frustration lead to parent engagement, and the other child's parents said it was inappropriate to discuss "that" with a child so young. My response was a little bit indignant and judgmental. But was I appropriate?

Our Home-to-School Connection assignment is to hold space for an intentional conversation around "same and different". What do these concepts mean, how do we represent them to our children, and how do children define themselves with and next to others.

As Home Sweet Home prepares for our Winter Break, we reflect on these past four months filled with the adventure of new relationship. Relationship-based learning is rich from the provocation and negotiation embedded in observing, unwrapping and engaging with individuals and groups new to us or in new ways. By knowing and being known by one another, we are profoundly changed.