At Rivendell School, we recognize the power of language and how it shapes our school community. Words can uplift and connect us, or they can be used to hurt and divide. Our commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive community means helping our students understand the importance of thoughtful language. We also want to help support families in conversations at home as well. Below are some principles and talking points you can use to guide discussions with your children.
Rivendell's Five Principles and How They Relate to Language
- Everybody Has a Culture
Each student brings a unique cultural background, and we teach our children to value and respect these differences. You can help your child understand that their words can either honor or harm someone’s culture and identity, even if they don’t mean to. - Engage in Multiple Perspectives
Encourage your child to consider the feelings and experiences of others when choosing their words. This teaches empathy and helps them understand the impact their language may have on peers from different backgrounds. - Build Cultural Bridges
Our goal is to use language to connect rather than divide. Help your child understand how words can build bridges between people, creating a sense of belonging and unity within our community. - Empower our Heads, Hearts, & Hands
We believe in nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and physical well-being of our students. Understanding the weight of words helps children grow emotionally and intellectually, and equips them with the tools to form positive relationships - Co-Responsibility
As a community, we all share the responsibility of maintaining an inclusive, respectful environment. Parents, students, and educators work together in ensuring that our school is a place where everyone feels safe and respected. This includes guiding students to use language that aligns with these values.
Talking Points for Families
Here are some ways to guide conversations about language:
- Respectful Language: Explain that words have power. Encourage your child to always speak kindly and think about how their words might affect others. Even if they don’t fully understand the meaning of a word, they can still recognize its potential to harm.
- Racial Diversity: Help your child understand that people from different racial backgrounds may have different experiences and perspectives. Encourage them to ask questions, listen, and choose words that promote respect and unity. By being thoughtful in how they speak, they can help combat harmful stereotypes and build a more inclusive community.
- Gender-Inclusive Language: Encourage your child to respect everyone’s identity by using correct pronouns and avoiding harmful stereotypes. It’s important to foster an environment where language makes everyone feel included and respected.
- Respecting Political and Social Views: Help your child understand that differences in opinion are okay, and it’s important to approach conversations about politics or current events with kindness and respect.
- Neurodiversity: Explain to your child that people think and learn in different ways, and that neurodiversity refers to the variety of ways brains work. Discuss how language should be inclusive of everyone, including those who may learn or communicate differently, and how respecting these differences strengthens our community.
- Learning from Mistakes: If your child uses or hears inappropriate language, discuss the importance of recognizing mistakes, apologizing, and learning. Mistakes are part of growth, but what’s important is understanding why a word is hurtful and choosing not to use it again.
Our Commitment as a School
At Rivendell, we are committed to creating an environment where respect, kindness, and inclusion guide our interactions. We believe that by working together we can help our children understand the power of language and the importance of using it to build a community where everyone feels valued.
