At The Ausome Village, our student literacy experience goes beyond a traditional read-aloud, it creates space for meaningful conversations, empathy building, and leadership development.
During this session, students and I participated in an interactive read-aloud of What Makes Me Awesome. Together, we explored the story through guided SEL reflection questions that encouraged students to think deeply about autism, inclusion, and how we treat others. Students engaged in a thoughtful group discussion about what it means to be different, how to support peers who are autistic, and how to lead with kindness, understanding, and respect.
Through open dialogue, students learned that autism is not something to fear or misunderstand, it is a difference that deserves acceptance and support. We talked about characteristics of autism, how classmates may experience the world differently, and practical ways students can be allies to their peers. Most importantly, students reflected on the powerful message that different does not mean less.
This literacy experience helps students:
- Build empathy and social awareness
- Develop leadership skills rooted in inclusion
- Learn how to support autistic peers through understanding
- Practice respectful conversation and perspective-taking
- Strengthen literacy through discussion, reflection, and connection
By blending literacy with social-emotional learning, this experience empowers students to become thoughtful leaders in their classrooms and school communities, leaders who understand that inclusion starts with knowledge, compassion, and action.
At The Ausome Village, we believe literacy can change mindsets, and when students learn early to value differences, they help create more inclusive schools for everyone.
- The Ausome Village