For the next two weeks we are going to be talking about inclusivity - including everyone in our community, whether that be in our learning space, in our school, home, country, or even the whole world.

If we want our children to include others, we need to teach them how. We need to show them how to meet new people by modelling how to introduce ourselves and invite an acquaintance to sit with us. Let your child see how you start conversations and encourage others. Then help your child practice those skills at home so he can use them in the real world.

Talk to your child about the effects of deliberately excluding someone because they are different. “How would you feel? How do you think she feels? What could you do to make her feel better?” Role play with your child what to do or say if your child sees it happen. “Suppose a new student comes to school. You want to get to know him better, but your friends don’t want to include him. What will you do? What should you do?”

We want to encourage our children to recognise that people’s differences make our world a better place. With these skills of inclusivity, they will be prepared to thrive in our global 21st century world. Thriving today, ready for tomorrow.