ABSTRACT
Even before entering Mr. Raphael’s combined fi ft h and sixth grade classroom in Valley Elementary School, “Welcome” signs in various languages greet visitors in the hallway. Inside Mr. Raphael’s classroom, students’ work decorate the walls as do pictures of Mother Earth, the Dalai Lama, other peace workers, a sign with the words “shalom,” “salaam,” and “peace” as well as proverbs from many nations selected by the children. A large map pinpoints the nations from where children and their families emigrated; a colorful chart displays languages spoken by the children’s families. Th e room also displays an American fl ag, a class fl ag created by the children, and individual fl ags replete with personally signifi cant symbols made by each child. Th e most prominent sign in the classroom is “Insult Free Zone.” Mr. Raphael notes that “the reason that is the biggest sign is I think it’s most important for them to be in an emotionally safe environment.”
