Centering the “B” in the D.E.I.B. by Donzell Lewis
P.S. ARTS proudly launches a new social media campaign aimed at engaging our audiences, students, families, and supporters. This month marks the debut of a recurring series titled “Arty’s Book Nook,” a captivating journey where we will delve into children’s books focusing on authors, individuals, or messages that have the power to change the world. Each installment will include an art tie-in as well as prompts to foster creative connections to the featured content. To kick off, we are diving into the delightful children’s book, “BunnyBear” by Andrea J. Loney.
“Bunnybear” exemplifies how authors and illustrators can craft stories that entertain and educate simultaneously. I believe that all art should spark questions from its audience. This story, in particular, prompts reflection on the importance of centering belonging in our ongoing efforts to impact students’ lives as educators and administrators.
Belonging, a term integrated into the framework of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)plays a crucial role in fostering environments where all students feel seen, heard, included, and valued for their authentic selves. Student authenticity is vital for creating classrooms conducive to profound learning experiences.
If students don’t feel a sense of belonging—if they feel compelled to conceal aspects of themselves—it triggers a perpetual fight, flight, or fawn response. How can we expect students to engage in learning if they perceive their school or classroom environments as threatening?
Learning requires vulnerability, not just from students but also from educators. Therefore, to encourage students to embark bravely on the journey of growth and development, we must cultivate safe spaces for them to do so. Consider how many times you’ve sought new environments because you felt you didn’t belong. Our students often lack the privilege to make such choices; they’re confined to the schools dictated by their circumstances.
As educators, we have a responsibility to create environments where every child can authentically be themselves. This is the commitment I gladly accepted when I chose this profession—to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn in an environment that empowers, uplifts, nurtures, invigorates, and embraces their authenticity.
Creating such classrooms requires intentional effort. It’s not enough to merely espouse the values of community; we must actively practice them. It’s through intentional approaches that we unlock classrooms where students thrive as expert learners.
In my experience as an educator, cultivating a sense of belonging is intrinsic to my classroom culture. I’m honored when students eagerly enter my room, embracing their true selves, and leave feeling valued and respected. Hearing parents and caregivers express gratitude for the emotional safety I provide reaffirms the importance of this work.
The world presents both beauty and challenges, and I choose to reflect the beauty in my classroom. Regrettably, not all school communities share this ethos. Some foster unwelcoming, traumatic environments, especially for minoritized students. Bullying and violence persist in many classrooms, which is unacceptable to me.
Hence, I advocate for students to know they are welcome in my classroom, where they’re encouraged to be themselves, and their voices are valued. I prioritize creating space for students to express themselves, advocate for their needs, build community, and connect with peers. Only when this foundation is laid do I begin the journey of curriculum and instruction, always putting students first.
My call to fellow educators is to confront our unconscious biases and dismantle them, creating spaces where our students can thrive as the expert learners we know them to be. Check out the book “BunnyBear” and Arty’s Book Nook, and share with us, what thoughts does this story of belonging unlock for you?
Hear Donzell read Bunnybear for our first installment of Arty’s Book Nook on YouTube and follow us on social media for more!
We want to hear from you! Share YOUR inspiring story about belonging by tagging us or DMing us on Instagram. Entries can take the form of video, drawing, or writing. Participants will be entered into our giveaway of P.S. ARTS merch, including stickers, a bookmark, and more!
About Donzell Lewis:
P.S. ARTS’ Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell Lewis, is a highly acclaimed youth theater educator/director, actor, and comedian, known for his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. Previous to becoming the Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell dedicated a decade of his career as a Theater Teaching Artist for P.S. ARTS, where he successfully implemented a comprehensive theater program for grades TK-5. His approach is guided by a commitment to radical inclusivity, acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural legacies, challenging euro-centric standards, and engaging in courageous conversations that drive social change.
About Arty’s Book Nook:
Arty’s Book Nook is a series by P.S. ARTS that explores the magical worlds of art and reading through picture books about people who change the world through art. In this brave space, we invite young artists to embark on adventures, discovering the joy of storytelling and the wonders of creative expression. Through curated books and activities, we invite readers, artists, and learners to join us as we dive into worlds where every heart finds its place. Arty’s Book Nook selections are read by P.S. ARTS’ Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Donzell Lewis.
