Celebrating Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading: A Celebration of Trans Stories on February 28

At Common Ground Childcare, we believe in embracing every child’s unique story. This month, we are excited to join the Human Rights Campaign’s Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading—a special event highlighting the power of books that celebrate transgender and non-binary children. We’re thrilled to share stories with our preschoolers that remind us all: each person’s identity is important, and everyone deserves to be loved and respected for who they are.

Why We’re Celebrating

• Valuing Each Child: At Common Ground, we strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore who they are and feel proud of it.

• Building Understanding: Reading stories featuring trans and non-binary characters helps children learn empathy, kindness, and respect for differences.

• Encouraging Curiosity: Books open the door to important conversations. Even our youngest learners benefit from stories that celebrate all kinds of identities.

Preschool-Friendly Book Recommendations

1. Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
   A blue crayon with a red label feels like something doesn’t quite match. This simple story shows how being true to yourself can bring joy.

2. It Feels Good to Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn
   A gentle introduction to gender identity, helping young children understand that people experience gender in many different ways.

3. I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel & Jazz Jennings
   Based on a real-life experience, this book talks about a child named Jazz who knew she was a girl, even though others saw her differently at first. A heartwarming story about acceptance.

4. Neither by Airlie Anderson
   In a world of bunnies and birds, a creature that doesn’t quite fit in learns there’s a place for everyone, no matter what they look like or how they feel.

Feel free to read these stories at home or check them out at our center. Each one highlights self-discovery and acceptance in ways that preschoolers can understand.

Discussion Points for Families

• Celebrate Differences: After reading a story, ask your child: “What makes you special?” Talk about how everyone is unique in their own way—like having different favorite colors, favorite games, or ways of expressing themselves.

• Show Kindness: Encourage your child to think about how they can be a kind friend. Ask: “How can we help someone feel comfortable and happy if they’re feeling left out?”

• Use Inclusive Language: Preschoolers are just beginning to learn about words and feelings. It’s helpful to practice using words like “they” for someone who may not feel like a “he” or a “she.”

• Ask Open-Ended Questions: If your child shows curiosity, ask what they think about the story. For example, “How do you think the character felt?” or “Why did they feel happy or sad?” This encourages empathy and deeper understanding.

Join Us in the Celebration

Common Ground Childcare is proud to participate in this celebration of trans stories. We invite you to join us at home by sharing these books and discussions with your child. Through reading and talking together, we can all foster an environment where every child’s identity is honored and valued.

Thank you for being part of our caring community. By celebrating differences, we can help ensure that all children grow up feeling confident, safe, and loved—just the way they are.

For more information on how to support inclusive learning at home, feel free to reach out to our team at Common Ground Childcare. Let’s keep reading, talking, and growing together!