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Abilities Appreciated

Taminator Harrison

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Unlimited Confidence Lesson Plan

Students will explore self-esteem in people with disabilities through discussion, collaborative activities, and personal reflection to build empathy, recognize diverse strengths, and boost confidence.

This lesson fosters an inclusive environment by helping students understand how disabilities can impact self-esteem, reducing stigma and empowering all learners to celebrate differences.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, group work, and personal reflection

Materials

Disability Awareness Introduction Video, Disability Scenario Cards, Chart Paper, Markers, Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Queue up the Disability Awareness Introduction Video
  • Print and cut out the Disability Scenario Cards
  • Photocopy enough Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet for each student
  • Set out chart paper around the room with markers
  • Place sticky notes and pens at each station

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

10 minutes

  • Play the Disability Awareness Introduction Video
  • Ask: “What factors shape our self-esteem?” and “How might living with a disability affect someone’s confidence?”
  • Record key ideas on the board

Step 2

Empathy Activity

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and give each group a set of Disability Scenario Cards
  • Instruct groups to read each scenario, discuss how the person might feel, and brainstorm supportive responses
  • Have groups record their discussions on chart paper

Step 3

Gallery Walk

10 minutes

  • Groups rotate clockwise to view other groups’ charts
  • Use sticky notes to add positive feedback or pose questions
  • Encourage students to look for common themes or surprising insights

Step 4

Personal Reflection

15 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet
  • Students individually respond to prompts: “List three personal strengths,” “How can I support classmates with disabilities?” and “What did I learn today?”
  • Remind students there are no wrong answers and to be honest

Step 5

Wrap-Up and Share

5 minutes

  • Invite volunteers to share one insight from their reflection
  • Summarize key takeaways: empathy, diverse strengths, and actions to boost confidence in others
  • Encourage students to apply these lessons in everyday interactions
lenny

Slide Deck

Unlimited Confidence

Building Self-Esteem and Empathy

Introduce the lesson and connect to previous learning. Welcome students and set a positive tone for today’s session on self-esteem and disability awareness.

Learning Objectives

  • Explore factors shaping self-esteem
  • Understand how disabilities can impact confidence
  • Practice empathy through real-life scenarios
  • Reflect on personal strengths and actions

Review the learning targets so students know what they will achieve by the end of the session.

Why It Matters

  • Fosters an inclusive environment
  • Reduces stigma around disabilities
  • Empowers every student to celebrate diverse strengths

Explain why this topic matters and how it ties to creating an inclusive classroom community.

Play the video. After it ends, transition to discussion questions on the next slide.

Discussion Questions

  1. What factors shape our self-esteem?
  2. How might living with a disability affect someone’s confidence?

Pose each question and record key ideas on the board or chart paper.

Empathy Activity

  • In groups, read each Scenario Card
  • Discuss how the person might feel
  • Brainstorm supportive responses
  • Record ideas on chart paper

Divide students into small groups. Distribute one set of Disability Scenario Cards per group and chart paper.

Scenario Card Example

"Alex uses a wheelchair and feels left out during gym class when classmates run races without including him. What might Alex be feeling? How can we help him feel included?"

Model expectations by walking through this example before students begin.

Gallery Walk

  • Rotate clockwise to view other groups’ charts
  • Add positive feedback or questions on sticky notes
  • Identify common themes and surprising insights

Explain how to conduct the gallery walk and use sticky notes for feedback.

Personal Reflection

  • Complete the Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet individually
  • Be honest—there are no wrong answers

Distribute the worksheets and clarify that reflections are private unless students choose to share.

Reflection Prompts

• List three personal strengths
• How can I support classmates with disabilities?
• What did I learn today?

Highlight each prompt so students know how to structure their reflection time.

Wrap-Up and Share

  • Invite volunteers to share one insight
  • Summarize: empathy, diverse strengths, actions to boost confidence
  • Encourage everyday application of these lessons

Invite volunteers to share. Summarize key takeaways and reinforce the importance of empathy and inclusion.

Keep the Momentum

  • Practice inclusive actions daily
  • Notice and celebrate strengths in yourself and others
  • Continue building an empathetic classroom community

Encourage students to keep practicing inclusivity beyond today’s session.

lenny

Activity

Disability Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards in the Empathy Activity. In small groups, read each card, discuss how the person might feel, and brainstorm supportive responses.

Card 1:
Alex uses a wheelchair and feels left out during gym class when classmates race laps around the track without including him.

How might Alex be feeling? What could you do to help Alex join in?






Card 2:
Mia wears a hearing aid and often misses instructions during group discussions because she can’t hear classmates clearly.

How might Mia be feeling? What strategies could your group use to make sure Mia doesn’t miss anything?






Card 3:
Carlos has autism and finds unexpected noise in the cafeteria overwhelming. He often stops eating and goes back to class early.

How might Carlos be feeling? What could you and your classmates do to help him feel more comfortable?






Card 4:
Sara is visually impaired and sometimes struggles to read small-print text on the board during lessons.

How might Sara be feeling? What are some ways you could support her learning in class?






Card 5:
Jamal uses a prosthetic leg and worries about being the slowest runner in P.E. when the teacher organizes track events.

How might Jamal be feeling? What could the class do to make sure he feels included and encouraged?






Card 6:
Lily has Down syndrome and sometimes feels frustrated when other students finish art projects more quickly.

How might Lily be feeling? What could classmates say or do to show understanding and support?






Card 7:
Ethan uses an insulin pump and needs to check his blood sugar during science class without drawing attention.

How might Ethan be feeling? What can the class do to help him manage his needs discreetly and respectfully?






Card 8:
Nina has ADHD and finds it hard to stay focused during long lectures. She often gets up to move around or fidgets at her desk.

How might Nina be feeling? How can classmates and the teacher help her stay engaged and supported?






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lenny

Worksheet

Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________

Instructions: Think about today’s lesson on self-esteem and supporting peers with disabilities. Write honest, thoughtful responses in the spaces provided.

1. List three personal strengths and explain why each is meaningful to you.

Strength 1: _______________________________________________







Why this matters to me:






Strength 2: _______________________________________________







Why this matters to me:






Strength 3: _______________________________________________







Why this matters to me:






2. Reflect on how you can support classmates with disabilities. List at least two specific actions you will take.












3. What is one new insight you gained today about self-esteem and disability awareness?












4. How will you apply what you learned in your everyday interactions at school?












5. (Optional) Describe a time when you or someone you know overcame a challenge and how it affected your confidence or self-esteem.















lenny
lenny

Lesson Plan

Abilities Appreciated Lesson Plan

Students will explore self-esteem challenges faced by people with disabilities, practice empathy through real-life scenarios, and collaborate to design a positive affirmation poster celebrating diverse strengths and promoting inclusion.

This lesson builds an inclusive classroom by reducing stigma around disabilities, fostering empathy, and empowering students to recognize and celebrate the abilities of all peers.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, collaborative activities, and personal reflection

Materials

Disability Awareness Introduction Video, Disability Scenario Cards, Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet, Chart Paper, Markers, Sticky Notes, Poster Paper, Colored Pencils or Markers, and Positive Affirmation Poster Template

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

  • Queue up the Disability Awareness Introduction Video
  • Print and cut out the Disability Scenario Cards
  • Photocopy the Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet
  • Print copies of the Positive Affirmation Poster Template
  • Arrange chart paper, poster paper, markers, colored pencils, and sticky notes at each station
  • Review all materials to ensure they’re accessible

Step 1

Warm-Up Discussion

10 minutes

  • Play the Disability Awareness Introduction Video
  • Ask: “What factors shape our self-esteem?” and “How might living with a disability affect someone’s confidence?”
  • Record responses on chart paper

Step 2

Empathy Scenario Exploration

15 minutes

  • Divide into small groups and provide each group with Disability Scenario Cards
  • Read each scenario, discuss how the person might feel, and brainstorm supportive responses
  • Capture key ideas on chart paper

Step 3

Gallery Walk & Feedback

10 minutes

  • Groups rotate to view peers’ chart papers
  • Use sticky notes to add positive feedback or questions
  • Identify common themes and surprising insights

Step 4

Positive Affirmation Poster Design

15 minutes

  • Provide each group with poster paper and the Positive Affirmation Poster Template
  • Create a poster featuring at least three affirmations celebrating strengths of people with disabilities
  • Use visuals and inclusive language to convey respect and confidence

Step 5

Personal Reflection & Share

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Self-Esteem Reflection Worksheet
  • Respond to prompts about personal strengths and supporting classmates with disabilities
  • Invite volunteers to share one insight; summarize key takeaways
lenny

Slide Deck

Abilities Appreciated

Building Self‐Esteem and Empathy

Introduce the lesson and connect to students’ prior knowledge. Welcome everyone to our session on self‐esteem and celebrating abilities in all peers.

Learning Objectives

  • Explore factors shaping self‐esteem
  • Understand how disabilities can affect confidence
  • Practice empathy through real‐life scenarios
  • Design affirmations celebrating diverse strengths

Review the learning objectives so students know what they will achieve in today’s lesson.

Why It Matters

  • Builds an inclusive classroom environment
  • Reduces stigma around disabilities
  • Empowers peers to recognize and celebrate diverse strengths

Explain how fostering empathy and inclusion benefits everyone and strengthens our community.

Play the Disability Awareness Introduction Video. After it ends, transition to discussion questions on the next slide.

Discussion Questions

  1. What factors shape our self‐esteem?
  2. How might living with a disability affect someone’s confidence?

Pose each question, invite responses, and record key ideas on chart paper.

Empathy Scenario Exploration

  • Divide into small groups
  • Read each scenario from Disability Scenario Cards
  • Discuss feelings and brainstorm supportive responses
  • Capture ideas on chart paper

Distribute the scenario cards and chart paper. Encourage groups to explore emotions and actions thoughtfully.

Scenario Card Example

"Alex uses a wheelchair and feels left out during gym class when classmates race laps around the track without including him."

How might Alex be feeling? How can we help him feel included?

Model the expected discussion by walking through this example before students begin their group work.

Gallery Walk & Feedback

  • Rotate clockwise to view peers’ charts
  • Add positive feedback or questions on sticky notes
  • Identify common themes and surprising insights

Explain the gallery walk process and remind students to write constructive, respectful feedback.

Positive Affirmation Poster Design

  • Use poster paper and the Positive Affirmation Poster Template
  • Create at least three affirmations celebrating strengths of people with disabilities
  • Incorporate visuals and inclusive language

Provide materials and guide students to think creatively and inclusively when designing their posters.

Positive Affirmation Poster Template

Positive Affirmation Poster Template

Direct students to the template as a starting point for layout and design; encourage personalization.

Personal Reflection & Share

  • Distribute the Self‐Esteem Reflection Worksheet
  • Respond to prompts about personal strengths and supporting classmates
  • Invite volunteers to share one insight

Hand out worksheets and clarify that reflection responses are private unless students choose to share.

Reflection Prompts

• List three personal strengths
• How can I support classmates with disabilities?
• What new insight did I gain today?
• How will I apply this learning at school?

Emphasize each prompt to help students focus their reflections.

Wrap‐Up & Keep the Momentum

  • Invite final thoughts and questions
  • Summarize key takeaways: empathy, inclusion, celebrating strengths
  • Encourage daily inclusive actions and recognition of diverse abilities

Summarize the lesson, reinforce the importance of ongoing empathy, and challenge students to apply these ideas beyond today.

lenny

Reading

Positive Affirmation Poster Template

Use this template to create a colorful poster celebrating the strengths and abilities of people with disabilities. Include at least three affirmations and matching visuals.

Poster Title:

Write a title that captures the spirit of inclusion and confidence.





Affirmation 1:

Write your first affirmation here:

“______________________________”




Draw a supporting image:










Affirmation 2:

Write your second affirmation here:

“______________________________”




Draw a supporting image:










Affirmation 3:

Write your third affirmation here:

“______________________________”




Draw a supporting image:










Optional Decorations & Additional Affirmations

Use this space for extra drawings, inspirational quotes, or more affirmations:












Tips:

  • Use bold, readable lettering.
  • Choose bright colors that stand out.
  • Incorporate inclusive symbols (hearts, hands, people of all abilities).
  • Make your poster an uplifting reminder for everyone!
lenny
lenny