In Preschool One, we explored the significance of wearing orange shirts on September 30th in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Through conversations, stories, and hands-on experiences, we introduced the children to the meaning of Every Child Matters and the importance of recognizing and respecting Indigenous children, families, and communities.
We introduced the word Indigenous and began age-appropriate conversations about the experiences of Indigenous children who were taken away from their families and sent to residential schools. We discussed how every child deserves to feel safe, loved, valued, and accepted for who they are. Several books supported our learning journey, including Stolen Words, The Orange Shirt Story, and Nibi’s Water Song.
This learning has become a meaningful part of our classroom as we continue to nurture a sense of belonging, inclusion, and respect. We want the children to understand that everyone is unique, everyone is important, and every child matters.
To extend this learning, Simone introduced a provocation featuring colouring materials, miniature people shapes, and the words Every Child Matters. She coloured one of the miniature people to represent herself and said, “This is me.” This simple invitation encouraged the children to think about their own identities and consider creating representations of themselves. Later, during rest time, several children explored the materials and created their own versions of themselves, expressing their individuality through their choices and creativity.
Another meaningful moment occurred during the transition to outdoor play. As the children waited for their coats, Jenny used the classroom touchscreen to introduce visuals and ideas about Orange Shirt Day. Simone continued the conversation by discussing what Orange Shirt Day represents and why the message Every Child Matters is so important.
The educators invited the children to reflect by asking whether they mattered. The children confidently responded, “Yes!” This opened up a discussion about how Indigenous children were sent away to residential schools and separated from their families because of policies intended to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream Canadian society. Through this conversation, the children began exploring the idea that although we are all different, we are equally important and deserving of love, respect, and belonging.
It was heartwarming to see several children connect with the message and recognize their own importance and uniqueness. In our classroom, we regularly use the mantra Every Child Matters to remind the children that they are valued, capable, smart, and special just as they are.
This learning also led us to explore National Child Day and continue our conversations about children's rights, well-being, and the importance of ensuring that every child feels heard, respected, and included.
Through these experiences, we are creating opportunities for the children to develop empathy, celebrate differences, and build an early understanding of fairness, inclusion, and respect for others. Most importantly, we hope they carry this message with them: Every child matters. Every child belongs. Every child deserves to be valued.
