EveryBody

All bodies naturally come in different shapes and sizes. Each individual is entitled to a school climate that supports and embraces them as they are. An environment that is inviting and inclusive will encourage students to feel good about themselves, and respect all body shapes, sizes, and abilities.

Follow the 4-step process to take a planned and comprehensive approach to work on this topic.

‍

Getting Started

• Do your school’s physical spaces (e.g., classroom, staff room, main office, cafeteria) accommodate people of all body shapes, sizes, and abilities? 
• Is your school’s furniture and equipment (e.g., chairs, desks, gym equipment, playground equipment) inclusive of all body shapes, sizes, and abilities? 
• Are school and/or sports uniforms size inclusive?
• Do the images in your school reflect all body shapes, sizes, and abilities? 
• Do the books in your library and classroom portray a variety of body shapes, sizes, and abilities, in a positive way and/or engaging in health-promoting behaviours?

Bright Ideas

• Include images and pictures throughout the school that reflect all body shapes, sizes, and abilities.
• Write a letter to your school’s administration about the changes you’d like to see in your school.
• Use or develop a checklist to ensure each space in the school is inclusive of all body shapes, sizes, and abilities.
• Promote books that encourage and celebrate body diversity. 
• Fundraise to buy new equipment and/or furniture that is body inclusive.
• Rearrange existing spaces to be more inclusive for all body shapes, sizes, and abilities.
• Review programs and activities to ensure they promote a body inclusive approach and do not weigh students, calculate BMI, count calories, or promote weight loss.
• Train all staff members on weight bias and weight inclusive approaches.