Teaching about inclusion and diversity exposes students to various cultural and social groups, preparing them to become better citizens in their communities.
These inclusion and diversity-based lessons include icebreaker activities, discussion questions, classroom games, suggested reading, presentations, hands-on activities, digital resources, and more! They provide opportunities for students to practice empathy, tolerance, and acceptance and help foster a classroom environment of kindness.
1. Become an "Includer"
This simple activity defines an "includer" as someone who is welcoming of others. Through discussion and the implementation of an inclusive classroom program, students will be motivated to find ways to include others, both inside and outside of their school.
Learn more: Education
2. Read and Discuss Smoky Night
This picture book tells the story of a Los Angeles riot and the ongoing fires and looting which forces antagonistic neighbors to work together to find their cats. Students will be spellbound by the dramatic chain of events while learning to empathize with those from diverse backgrounds.
Learn more: Education World
3. Embrace Our Differences PowerPoint
By teaching kids to be proud of their differences while also being respectful towards others, this discussion-based activity will help foster an atmosphere of kindness in the classroom. As children feel more comfortable being who they are, their confidence and self-esteem will also improve.
Learn more: Twinkl
4. The Invisible Boy Activity Packet
This gentle story teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. The accompanying inclusive teaching materials will help students become more empathetic while sharing their experiences of feeling invisible.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
5. Watch a Kid-Friendly Video About Autism Spectrum Disorder
This invaluable resource with accompanying activities teaches students about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Taking the time to fully understand ASD will help students appreciate the unique perspectives that make us different but also tie us all together.
Learn more: Brain Pop
6. Play Human Bingo
This is a great way for students to connect and learn about each other. Some of the Bingo templates are filled with ideas and others can be filled in by you or your students. By providing inclusive opportunities, it will help your learners feel seen and validated while having plenty of fun. Enjoy!
Learn more: Icebreaker Ideas
7. Replace Assumptions with Compassion
This hands-on activity teaches students to recognize the assumptions they make about themselves and others and encourages them to practice compassion instead. By teaching practical life skills, it sets students up to be leaders in their communities.
Learn more: Education
8. Become a Bucket Filler
After reading Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud, discuss the book's message: When we are mean to others, we dip in their bucket and it empties our own, but when we are good to others, our own happiness increases.
Learn more: Kathy Saldivar's Teaching Portfolio
9. Celebrate Diversity with Reader's Theater
Students will love performing these short plays celebrating diversity. This is fun and easy to improve reading fluency while giving them a chance to shine on stage.
Learn more: Teacher Created Materials
10. Play a Game of Scoot
This fun, hands-on learning-based Scoot game will get students up and moving while learning about the character trait of acceptance. They will learn what acceptance is and isn't while generating their own examples.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
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