As early childhood educators, creating an inclusive early childhood environment is more than adapting interactions and the learning environment to help specific children. Every person views the world based on their culture and life experience and identifying our personal culture can empower us to find ways to work with the culture of the children we care for, instead of using strategies to help children adapt to the classroom culture. Inclusion Includes Us seeks to replace barriers between early childhood educators and their students with an understanding that every person in the classroom has a unique combination of needs and helping children and educators recognize the needs of others. This book will help early childhood educators reflect on how you view yourself and others in terms of both culture and abilities and offers concrete ideas for how to connect with children of all cultures and abilities and create a sense of belonging for all.

Being apart from his mama can be hard, but something unexpected helps Esteban remember that she always comes back. There are so many fun things to do in Mr. Walter's classroom, but Esteban still misses his mama while she's at work. One day, after giving Esteban two kisses and a hug (mwah mwah mmmm), Mama heads out the door-and forgets to take her gloves with her. As Esteban keeps the gloves safe, they help him remember something important: it can be hard to be apart from his mama, but she always comes back . . . with two kisses and a hug! This sweet story shows one child's experience with separation anxiety and his recovery from it. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

Bree is digging for worms, but she unearths something even better than she expected-a new friend! Bree doesn't know anyone who likes to dig as much as she does. What's more, Bree doesn't know anyone who likes worms as much as she does. So Bree digs alone, until one day a classmate joins her. Together, the two unearth something even better than worms-a new friendship. This story shows how young children can discover friendship through common interests. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

Sometimes when children are sad, it can be difficult for them to imagine ever feeling happy again. Playing at the water table is fun. But Erik thinks getting splashed is not fun. When his sleeve gets wet, Erik gets sad, and he can't imagine ever being happy again. Then, with a classmate by his side, Erik becomes absorbed by a new idea: to make the water disappear. As it vanishes, Erik discovers his happiness has reappeared, like magic. Airdah-taroo! This story provides a helpful reminder to children that sadness is a temporary feeling. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.

Snacktime is a great time for Evette and her classmates to discuss something very exciting-her birthday! It's snacktime in Mr. Walter's classroom, and Evette has something to say. ""Only kids with a baby sister can come to my birthday."" Not everyone has a little sister-but everyone would like to be invited. Evette and her classmates begin a conversation filled with imagination and discovery. After lots of discussion, Evette knows just what to do to make her party the most fun. Evette's Invitation captures the rich, spontaneous, and oftentimes quirky conversations that young children bring to the table. The book contains a page of information to help you connect the story to children's experiences, which makes it a great teaching tool for your classroom or child care setting.