Relationships change everything

Abstract

Children need life-affirming and authentic relationships; genuine deeply felt inclusion comes when we share our humanity openly and honestly. This article draws on the research of author Peter W. Cookson Jr., who recently completed a study of success strategies for educating children living in deep poverty. An inclusive school is one where every student, in the words of Martin Luther King Jr., is somebody. Creating an inclusive school means educating the whole child, connecting at a deep level, sharing our humanity, healing rather than punishing, leading from the heart and head, and protecting children from harm.