Teaching Inclusivity and Diversity
“Diversity is the one thing that we all have in common.”
C is for circle – what an oxymoron and oh the irony!
Groupings of people in circles are closed. It feels great to be part of one but it can have the opposite effect when you are not part of it. Circles form a physical barrier of those who are included and those who are excluded. Group circles are therefore unwelcoming by their physicality. They make a statement of backs to the outside world. If you’re on the outside, the physical barrier can cause people to feel rejected, isolated, alone. I spent many years in classrooms and on duty in the playground and I saw circles of people everywhere. I also saw children isolated and the picture did not ‘speak’ inclusivity nor diversity. It ‘spoke’ of the exact opposite.
At a course many years ago I learned that up to 30% of school children are not spoken to in the course of their day at school. I could imagine this more in a secondary school level but I am more than suspicious that it happens at the primary school level also.
The physical barrier of a circle makes it more difficult to join in and it speaks exclusivity in a profound way – more powerful than words. It can be damaging and confronting for those on the outside.
Am I cool enough to join in? Should I stand on the outside showing an interest in wanting to join in? Why wasn’t I invited in? Do I fit in? Why not? What do I need to do to get into the circle?
In a world where we have a growing number of anxious, depressed and lonely people we need to be teaching children how to include, be open minded and diverse. We should do this until it becomes the natural way of thinking and being.
In a world where there is less ‘real life’ conversation, less listening face to face, less togetherness, the need has become greater. We are lonelier and more stressed than we should be. 
The need for human connection is a basic need but we are falling short on providing it. This can be fixed.
Here’s a very simple way:
C is for circle but a ‘C’ shape does what an ‘O’ cannot do – it leaves the door open to new ideas and new people. C is inclusive. C is open. C is for Connection. A ‘C,’ however is a completely different scenario. There’s room, a place, a physical welcoming place for someone new, someone different, someone else. Why is this so important? If we implement this physical representation, it is going to help open minds and form the habit of inclusivity and diversity. Inclusivity and diversity are key to us having better solutions. Inclusivity and diversity are key to meaningfulness. Inclusivity and diversity are key to innovation and implementation.
HOW?
Here’s some examples:
Children get into groups of C shapes for all discussions. Give them something to discuss. For example, “Today we are going to discuss something that is very important to you.” Get into 5 C shapes with five people in each Connection Group. Where possible, have the students stand up. People are less likely to talk too much and more likely to keep to the point in a standing situation.
When someone speaks they enter the centre of the C and share something that is important. Everyone needs to listen and then give one short statement of feedback before moving onto the next person to move into the middle.
“In a world where there is less ‘real life’ conversation, less listening face to face, less togetherness, the need has become greater.”
Take turns.
Once everyone has spoken, one group disperses and each person joins another group. They are welcomed into the ‘C” because it’s open and exclusive shape! The new group member shares what happened in their group that day. I have no doubt that you will add your own ideas to make the C groupings work for you.
HOWEVER…
If you are going to continue as adults role modelling your own circle groupings as adults, then the teaching and the learning will not be nearly half as effective. “Do as I do,” is far more powerful than, “Do as I say.”
SO….. I’d strongly recommend working in C groupings in staff meetings and shoulder tap the Senior Leaders in your schools into having C group meetings themselves where they invite other staff into their C meetings as guests.
These changes will have a huge benefit to staff relationships. The dynamics of your school WILL change simply by ditching the O groups for C groups and thinking about who you have in your C groupings. Replace your Circles with some C for Connection groupings for openness to diversity.