At Kids Village, instead of our students toting around a discordant rainbow of backpacks and book bags of all shapes and sizes, we present each child with their very own, personalized book bag at the beginning of the year. This red book bag has the child’s name embroidered on the front, as well as a button that lets Kids Village staff immediately identify which class the child is in.
While this might seem like a simple, cute welcome gift, these book bags are about so much more.
Helps students (and teachers) learn each others names
During the first few weeks of school, all members of the Kids Village community – students and teachers alike – are learning each others names. While names are important for discerning who’s who, at Kids Village we believe names are so much more than that. We believe in the importance of learning each others names because it increases social confidence, positive communication, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Read more about why learning names is important on the Kids Village Blog.
Enhances the learning environment
At Kids Village, we’ve worked hard to create a magical atmosphere in which students can come and be enveloped in an atmosphere that makes them excited to learn. Our learning environment produces a feeling of community, a passion for learning, and that stimulates creativity. By keeping out book bags consistent and simple, we’re able to prevent distraction – favorite media characters, etc. – that would detract from our magical learning environment.
Provides a more socially equal atmosphere
At Kids Village, we want our students to have the opportunity connect through learning, experiencing new activities, and through values and teamwork. Taking out the factor of cool vs. uncool backpacks that can be seen as socioeconomic indicators, as well as taking away the strong “mine vs. yours” or “I want it” possessive mentality means children have a better opportunity to connect to their peers in an equal, positive and accepting environment.
Gives staff members important information about the student
Each of these book bags has a button on it that indicates which class the student is in. While our staff members are committed to making sure we know every student’s name and class, it’s helpful to our student management system to be able to see at a glance which students belong in which classrooms.
Creates an important feeling of community
When students carry their Kids Village book bag, they know that they are carrying a bag that was specifically made for them for their time at Kids Village. It makes them feel welcomed and gives them a sense of being a part of the overall Kids Village community. This is important to us at Kids Village as we feel the students are more comfortable trying new things, working hard, and communicating with others if they feel comfortable and connected to their community environment.
Do you have any further questions about the Kids Village Backpack Policy? Let us know in the comments below or by clicking here to Contact Us.