Rainbow Inclusion at School
Introducing rainbow identities and topics in an age-appropriate way
Firstly, thank you for your support in bringing rainbow identities into your school and classroom! It will make a huge difference to rainbow tamariki (or those with rainbow parents and whānau) to see themselves reflected in the world, and know they are OK, and can thrive, shine and grow freely.
Some young kids already know they are transgender, or nonbinary, or just ‘different somehow’. Others will grow into it later. Either way, little conversations let them know they are OK.
Sometimes people think that we at InsideOUT Kōaro are trying to label kids and make them grow up too fast. You might face the same objection. However, what we want is for kids to be able to play, try out wearing a skirt or sparkles or a silly santa beard if that calls to them, try out ‘he’ or ‘she’ if they want, and in time grow healthily into whichever adult they are.
Five year old Sam might grow into being Samuel or Samantha, and might fall in love with a woman or a man or neither. Either way, we want Sam to thrive, free of bullying or shame, and able to make their own choices. Thank you for gently introducing all kids to the fact that rainbow people exist, and are all good.
There is no pressure to cover all rainbow topics and identities in one go! But if your school community does include trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming students, some positive, strengths-based kōrero can be a good way to broaden tamariki understanding and acceptance.
And if you hear any, we like these suggested responses to gender-based questions or put-downs.
You can refer to the Ministry of Education guidelines to frame your language and develop confidence talking and teaching diversity. You will know your tamariki best and what will suit their needs. The TKI Inclusive Schools webpage is a great resource.
Activities for Primary Schools
Ideas for celebrating Schools’ Pride Week that you can tailor to your school!
Common Ground Activity
An interactive classrom game for tamariki that explores all the things we have in common, rather than focusing on our differences. The goal of this game is to open up a kōrero and facilitate tamariki thinking about how we behave and how we can all be better at including others.
Check out the facilitation guide for this game at sparklers.org.nz
Make a Mural
Make a pride-themed mural somewhere in your school. You could paint on paper, or an outside wall, or make a collage for your classroom. You could even use chalk on a concrete wall or path if it is a fine day!
Get Crafty
Make age-appropriate rainbow themed crafts together as a class.
Here are some great ideas!
Rainbow Reading!
Ask if your school or local library is participating in the Out on the Shelves rainbow reading campaign and get them to sign up if they aren’t! Pick a rainbow book title from our primary school age rainbow reading list to check out or read together in class.
Dance Party
Have a dance party featuring rainbow artists and anthems.
Shared Kai
Have a rainbow themed shared lunch or morning tea. Bring a plate that represents your culture or home cuisine or make a snack together as a class (eg. rainbow fruit kebabs)
Self Portrait
Make a self portrait art project. Things to ask your students to incorporate: Who are you? What is your culture? What are you proud of about yourself? What is unique about you?
Wordfinds and Colouring In
Click here for some great age-appropriate pride-themed wordfind and colouring pages.
Breaking the Norms is a wonderful inclusive colouring book that explores historical moments, figures and the flags of the rainbow community.
Create a Display
Create a display in your library for Out on the Shelves or put together a display case in a hallway to celebrate rainbow people, whānau and communities
Chalk it up!
Head outside with some rainbow chalk and write positive and affirming messages on the footpaths and concrete. Writing positive messages promotes positivity and spreads joy within the community.
Eg: “You are loved” “Kindness is magic” “You are Taonga” “Proud”
Activities for Intermediate Schools
Ideas for celebrating Schools’ Pride Week that you can tailor to your school!
Create a Display
Create a display in your library or display case in a hallway to celebrate or help raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues in your school.
Non-Uniform Day Fundraiser
Wear your Pride! Hold a non-uniform day where students can express themselves and their identities freely. Bring a gold coin and donate to InsideOUT Kōaro or another rainbow organisation.
Participate in Out on the Shelves
Ask if your school or local library is participating in the Out on the Shelves rainbow reading campaign and get them to sign up if they aren’t! Help them promote their rainbow reading collections and pick a rainbow book title from our intermediate-age rainbow reading list to check out or read for class.
Find the Flag Scavenger Hunt
Print and laminate a range of different pride flags and hide them throughout your school. During the week students can find and deliver the flags to a designated person (student leader, teacher etc) and exchange for a small prize (for example, a lolly or badge). Encourage students to look up the meaning of the flags they find.
Guest Speaker
Invite rainbow staff members, parents or local rainbow people in your school community. Or aim high and contact a rainbow politician, celebrity or sportsperson. Hearing from successful older rainbow people can have a huge positive affect on young people.
Shared Lunch
Organise a shared lunch, morning or afternoon tea for your class or QSA. Bring a plate that represents your culture or home cuisine. Or assign colours and make a delicious rainbow table!
Movie Time!
Grab the popcorn and settle in for a rainbow movie screening! We have put together heaps of great age-appropriate rainbow movie ideas for you to watch together as a class, at lunch or at home.
(Link coming soon!)
Bake Sale!
See who can make the most fabulous rainbow themed baking! Hold a rainbow themed bake sale and donate the proceeds to InsideOUT Kōaro or another rainbow organisation.
Art Competition
Hold a competition for the best flag design or pride themed artwork.
School Emblem Decoration
Print out a large copy of your school emblem or coat of arms, and get each student to pick a colour and make a thumb print. At the end you will have a gorgeous symbol of the schools unity and pride.
Terminology Education
What does the LGBTQIA+ acronym mean and stand for?
What are the differences between Sexuality and Gender Expression and Identity.
Check out this helpful resource on defining LGBTQIA+ words for primary and intermediate school students