Diversity—Not for Political Correctness

Yesterday at our Lower School, the kindergarten and pre-first students presented a world-class demonstration about their geographical heritage. As they spoke into the microphone on their tip toes, they shouted with pride the various countries from which their parents hailed. One student himself was born in Chile and his mother is Swiss—talk about diversity in the family! 

What prompted this program was Mrs. Cox’s realization at the beginning of the year that five continents are represented in her class! She decided to build on the students’ heritage for her social studies and literally bring the lessons “home.”  Beginning globally with discussions about continents and what they are, her children then learned about the seven countries the students represent, as well as six states in America, and finally, the cities. 

This exercise in geography spanned a world of topics, such as citizenship, customs, weather, distance, map reading and various other areas of life in such different communities. They even borrowed the countries’ flags from the Upper School's McCallie-Kennedy Library and learned why each looks the way it does. Parents will come next and share firsthand their cultures, bringing another personal aspect to the students’ understanding of life beyond Rome, Ga.  

The most important lesson these children will learn is that while they, their friends and classmates may be from different backgrounds, all are still the same and loved. What a tremendous concept to lay a foundation of trust, understanding and sincere acceptance! These children are living diversity—not because it’s politically correct or to make a statement, but as one of our students announced at the end of the assembly: “We are from different countries and different cities, but together we will make the world a better place!”