Introducing a story celebrating diversity and inclusion ~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“All Are Welcome” Written by Alexandra Penfold, Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of “All Are Welcome” to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ a small percentage of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)

Book Synopsis and Review

A group of children are ready to start the new school year! Follow them through their school day, as all children from different backgrounds are welcomed with open arms. Together they learn from one another and celebrate each other’s traditions. This is a school where every child has a space, has a place, and is welcome!

This is a beautifully sweet and simple book celebrating diversity and inclusion. The colorful illustrations portray all the different customs and cultures that the families honor. The detailed pictures offer many opportunities for children to talk and share about what they see and notice. This book is rich in interactive opportunities, and shares a wonderful message of acceptance!

Vocabulary

• haste (p. 2) doing something really fast; hurry
• gather (p. 7) bring together
• dozen (p. 11) a word for the number 12
• diversity (p. 16) including all different people
• adversity (p.16) difficulties, hardship

Themes/ Main Ideas

• Everyone is Welcome. Help make everyone feel welcome by celebrating differences, learning from each other, and working together.
• Be Proud of Who You Are. Have pride in your family traditions, culture, and customs. You deserve to be celebrated and welcomed just the way you are!

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “All Are Welcome” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

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*I am Welcome Here* Craft

Mai goals as a teacher on the first day of school is to make sure all students feel welcome. Some ways to do that: Choose read alouds that feature a diverse range of characters. If you have your student rosters and photo ids beforehand, find read alouds that feature all of your different students ethnicities or cultures. They deserve to see themselves in the read alouds of the day. Also, give students time to share about themselves. Model enthusiasm and excitement for each student as they share what makes them unique. It is up to the teacher to create a welcoming and supportive environment. Today’s features read *All Are Welcome,* is an excellent choice to read and share a book that celebrates a wide range of diverse characters, and it can be paired with a bookish craft that encourages little learners to share about themselves with their classmates. Check out the *I am Welcome Here* Craft, inspired by the story, down below!

Materials

• *I am Welcome Here* Downloadable Template
• Scissors
• Colors
• Pen/Pencil
• Glue/ Tape

Directions

• Choose a ”Cover” (Part 1 Side 1) template. There are colored and black and white versions with the heading  ”______ is Welcome Here.”
• Choose a Part 1-Side 2 writing template. This will be printed/glued back-to-back with the Cover. You can also choose to leave the back of the Cover blank with no writing.
• Print Side 1 + Side 2 (The cover and writing template) double-side or print and glue back-to-back.-If you chose the black and white version, color it in. 
• Fill in your name in the heading on the cover.
• Fill in the writing Template sentence frames.
• Then, print out Part 2. In the blank space, draw a picture of you. You can also draw your classroom or school around you.
• Color it in.
• Attach Part 1 and Part 2 by gluing them together at the flaps that say glue.
• You can now flip open you “Welcome sign” to reveal facts about you, and your drawing. 
• This is a reminder that you are unique and you are always welcome! 

Enjoy Your *I am Welcome Here* Craft

• Share your *I am Welcome Here* Craft with family and friends to share about you and what makes you unique. 
• Take turns reading aloud and sharing your crafts in the classroom with your peers to learn more about each other.
• Share your *I Am Welcome Here* Craft with family and friends and ask them to share facts about themselves and what makes them unique. Make them feel welcome.
• Display your *I Am Welcome Here* Crafts to remind you to welcome everyone with open arms.

*~ Happy Back-to-School and I hope you are enjoying plenty of reading adventures! Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTok, or contact me via email to share your own *I am Welcome Here* Crafts and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you and learn more about how you are strong!~*

Enjoy More SEL Interactive Read Alouds Here!

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*