Why Teaching Your Child About Inclusivity Matters

Photo Courtesy: By Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels

One day at school, children are out playing cricket. Rahul, who has autism, is standing nearby, watching everyone. Some children hesitate, unsure about how to include him. Then, one child smiles and says, “Rahul, you can be our scorekeeper!” Slowly, Rahul joins in, and soon his excitement spreads to the whole group.

Moments like this remind us of a simple truth: children don’t need much to build friendships—just an open door and a little encouragement. When children with special needs and those without special needs play together, the joy is shared and the lessons last a lifetime.

Why Should Children Play with Children with Special Needs?

• It builds empathy: Empathy is best learned through action, not lectures. When a child slows their pace so a friend with cerebral palsy can catch up, or repeats the game rules so that a classmate with a speech delay understands, they are practicing care and understanding. These small acts create a lifelong ability to connect with others.

  
  

• It breaks barriers early: Social barriers often begin in childhood when children are told, “Don’t stare” or “Don’t ask questions.” By allowing children to play freely with friends who have special needs, these barriers dissolve before they can even form. A wheelchair or hearing aid then becomes just another part of a friend’s identity—not something unusual.

  
  

• It strengthens social and communication skills: Play often requires explaining, negotiating, and adjusting. When children interact with friends who process information differently, they learn to communicate more clearly, listen actively, and wait patiently. This not only benefits the child with special needs but also improves the overall group dynamic.

  
  

• It promotes fairness and teamwork: Children begin to understand that the real purpose of games is not only to compete but also to make sure everyone is included. For instance, they might introduce roles like “referee,” “timekeeper,” or “cheerleader” so every child contributes.

How is it Good for Both?

• For children with special needs

  
  

  • Confidence grows: Being part of a group shows them that they are valued, not sidelined. A simple cheer when they take a turn can build pride and motivation.

    
    

  • Social skills improve: Interacting in natural settings—like playgrounds or classrooms—gives them real practice in sharing, cooperating, and problem-solving.

    
    

  • Friendships form: These bonds often extend beyond playtime, reducing isolation and making children feel truly included in school or neighborhood life.

    
    

• For other children

  
  

  • Leadership skills develop: When children guide, assist, or adapt activities, they take on roles of responsibility in a natural way.

    
    

  • Flexibility increases: They learn to adapt game rules, adjust the pace, or come up with creative solutions so everyone can join.

    
    

  • Compassion deepens: They recognize that strength isn’t always about being the fastest or smartest—it’s also about caring for others.

    
    

• For both

  
  

  • Shared happiness: Laughing and working together helps erase differences and creates bonds stronger than labels.

    
    

  • Solving problems together: Kids learn to tweak rules, switch roles, or cheer each other on when things get tricky.

    
    

  • Belonging matters: The group transforms into a space where every child feels, “This is my place too.”

    
    

How can Parents and Teachers Foster a Culture of Inclusivity Among Children?

• Show by example: Children notice more than they listen. A parent who greets a child with special needs warmly or a teacher who gives equal attention to all sets the tone. Kids learn that respect and kindness are non-negotiable.

  
  

• Plan activities where everyone can contribute: Group games, art projects, and storytelling sessions can be designed in a way where no one is left out. For example, in a drawing activity, one child may color, another may cut, and another may paste— Different roles but the same teamwork!

  
  

• Make small adjustments that create big impact: Use bigger balls for games, draw wider chalk lines, or assign buddies during races. These tiny changes allow every child to participate without making them feel singled out.

  
  

• Talk openly and positively: If children ask questions like, “Why does he speak differently?” respond with honesty. Say, “He speaks in his own way, but he loves telling stories just like you.” These explanations shape how children view differences—positively and respectfully.

  
  

• Celebrate inclusivity: Instead of only praising their wins, highlight their acts of kindness: “I loved how you passed the ball to your friend so he could join the game.” This teaches children that inclusion is just as valuable as an achievement.

  
  

• Introduce stories and role models: Books, short films, or classroom visits from people with special needs can inspire children. For example, sharing about athletes in the Paralympics shows that abilities come in many forms, all worth celebrating.

A Thought to Carry

When children play together, they don’t just share toys or games—they share values of acceptance, fairness, and friendship. These values, planted in childhood, grow into the foundations of a more compassionate society.

So here’s the question: If every child learned to welcome others in play, how much kinder would tomorrow’s world be?

References

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16737372/

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8116690/

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27780687/

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11887525/