Chapter 32: From Language Supporting Communication to Language Supporting Action

The door to my classroom is covered by a colorful poster of a calm harbor that says, “Bienvenue à tous qui font de cet espace un lieu sûr” [Welcome to all who make this a safe space]. This means that every day, students see that they are welcome, and students interpret that our room is a safe space in which we can air thoughts, learn how to be more empathetic, and feel protected from the waves of whatever is happening outside. This idea of safety does not offer the privilege of forgetting what is beyond the door, but rather an engaged and active time where we connect deeply. I hope that my classroom has always felt welcoming, but it is only recently that I have made the shift to intentionally discussing topics that can be underrepresented in a traditional curriculum.