Take a few minutes to remember a time when you felt unwelcome or excluded. Where were you? Who was there? How did the person or people make you feel unwelcome? How did you feel? Now take a few minutes to remember a time when you felt welcome. Where were you? Who was there? How did the person or people make you feel welcome? How did you feel?

Now visualize yourself extending a true and warm welcome to every child in the group. If there is a child you find it difficult to welcome wholeheartedly, take a few moments and seek to feel empathy for this child. Hold each child in your heart as a unique gift to you and to the group.