Acceptance Adventure Script

Hook & Define (5 minutes)

Teacher (Display Slide 1 – Title Slide):
“Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our Acceptance Adventure. Today, we’re going to learn what acceptance means, why it’s important, and how we can practice it every day. Let’s get started!”

Teacher (Advance to Slide 2 – What is Acceptance?):
“Take a moment to think about the word acceptance. What do you think it means?”

Teacher:
“Turn and talk with your partner. Share one idea about what acceptance could mean.”

Teacher (after 1 minute):
“Okay, let’s hear some thoughts. Who would like to share their idea?”

(Record a few student responses on chart paper. Possible answers: “Being kind to everyone,” “Including new kids,” “Listening to different opinions.”)

Teacher (Advance to Slide 3 – Definition of Acceptance):
“Great ideas! Here’s a clear definition: Acceptance is embracing differences and including everyone. That means we notice what makes each person unique and choose to make them feel welcome.”

Teacher:
“Can someone give an example of acceptance from our classroom or from home?”

(Allow 2–3 students to share. Validate each example.)

Think-Pair-Share Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher (Advance to Slide 4 – Think-Pair-Share):
“I’m handing out the Acceptance Adventure Worksheet. On your worksheet, you’ll find two scenarios. Read them quietly, then discuss with your partner how you could show acceptance in each situation. Finally, write your ideas on the worksheet.”

(Distribute worksheets.)

Teacher:
“Let’s try Scenario 1 together.”

Teacher (Advance to Slide 5 – Scenario 1):
“Here it is: Alex uses a wheelchair and wants to join the soccer game. Some kids worry the field is too small. How can you show acceptance to Alex?”

Teacher (circulate; listen and prompt):

• “What words could you say to Alex?”
• “What actions might help him feel included?”
• “Why would cheering him on matter?”

(Give partners 2 minutes to discuss and write.)

Teacher:
“Now let’s look at Scenario 2.”

Teacher (Advance to Slide 6 – Scenario 2):
“Maria loves to draw during break, but others want to play tag. Maria feels left out. How can you show acceptance to Maria?”

Teacher (circulate; prompt):

• “Could you invite Maria to play in a way she enjoys?”
• “How might you combine drawing and tag so everyone has fun?”
• “What could you say to make her feel welcome?”

(Give partners 2 minutes to discuss and write.)

Group Discussion (5 minutes)

Teacher (Advance to Slide 7 – Group Discussion):
“Let’s come back together. I’d like two pairs to share one scenario and their ideas.”

(Invite 2–3 pairs. As they share, chart key strategies like “cheer on Alex,” “invite Maria to draw and play.”)

Teacher:
“Why is accepting people’s differences so important?”

(Prompt students; chart responses. Guide them toward these points:)

• Empathy: understanding how someone else feels
• Inclusion: making sure no one is left out
• Kindness: choosing caring actions every day

Teacher:
“Acceptance helps us build a caring community where everyone belongs.”

Inclusion Pledge Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher (Advance to Slide 8 – Inclusion Pledge):
“Now we’re going to make an inclusion pledge. On a sticky note, write one action you promise to take to be more accepting.”

Teacher:
“I’ll start with mine: ‘I will invite someone new to play at recess.’”

(Distribute sticky notes and markers.)

Teacher:
“Take a moment to think about your pledge, then write it down.”

Teacher:
“When you’re ready, attach your sticky note to our class pledge tree on the chart paper.”

(Give students time to attach pledges.)

Teacher (reading a few aloud):
“Here’s one: ‘I will include my new neighbor at lunchtime.’ Wonderful! Let’s give them a round of applause!” 👏

Teacher:
“Remember, acceptance is a choice we make every day. If we practice these small acts, our class—and our world—becomes a kinder place.”

Teacher:
“Great work today on our Acceptance Adventure! See you next time.”

Acceptance Adventure Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: _______________

Instructions

Read each scenario below. In the space provided, write how you could show acceptance and include others.

1. Scenario 1
Alex uses a wheelchair and wants to join the soccer game. Some kids worry the field is too small.

How can you show acceptance to Alex?

2. Scenario 2
Maria loves to draw during break, but others want to play tag. Maria feels left out.

How can you show acceptance to Maria?

Great work! Be ready to share one of your ideas with the class.

Acceptance Talk Discussion

Purpose

Students will deepen their understanding of acceptance by sharing personal experiences, listening to peers, and brainstorming concrete ways to include others.

Time

15 minutes

Materials

• Acceptance Adventure Slide Deck
• Chart paper or whiteboard
• Markers

Discussion Guidelines

• Listen respectfully and wait your turn to speak.
• Use kind words and encourage others.
• Share real experiences and ideas.

Discussion Questions

1. What does acceptance mean to you?
   • Take turns sharing one sentence about what acceptance is and why it matters.
   
   
   
2. Think of a time you felt left out. What happened and how did it make you feel?
   • (Partners share briefly; volunteers share with the class.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How did someone show acceptance or could have shown acceptance in that situation?
   • Brainstorm actions or words that help people feel included.
   
   
   
4. Why is it important for our classroom community to practice acceptance every day?
   • Chart responses: empathy, kindness, teamwork, respect.
   
   
   
5. What is one new way you will practice acceptance this week?
   • Write your idea on a sticky note and add it to our pledge tree.
   
   
   

Follow-Up

• Refer back to our chart during daily routines (recess, group work).
• Encourage students to notice and share examples of acceptance throughout the week.

Reflection

At the end of the week, revisit our chart and ask: “How did you practice acceptance? How did it feel when you saw others practicing acceptance?”

Acceptance Pledge Tree

Purpose

Students will create and display personal acceptance pledges on a classroom “pledge tree,” reinforcing their commitment to inclusive and kind behaviors.

Time

10 minutes

Materials

• Large chart paper with a tree trunk and branches drawn
• Colorful sticky notes (one per student)
• Markers or colored pencils

Steps

1. Introduce the Pledge Tree (1 minute)
   • Tell students that each branch on our tree will hold a promise to practice acceptance.
   • Explain that writing and displaying these pledges helps remind us to follow through.
2. Write Your Pledge (3 minutes)
   • Distribute one sticky note and a marker to each student.
   • Ask: “What is one action you can take this week to be more accepting?”
   • Students write a short, specific pledge (e.g., “I will play with someone new at recess,” “I will listen when someone is talking”).
3. Attach and Share (4 minutes)
   • Invite students, one at a time, to come up, read their pledge aloud, and stick it on a branch.
   • After each pledge, offer a quick round of applause or a thumbs-up to celebrate their commitment.
4. Finalize and Reflect (2 minutes)
   • Step back and admire the full Pledge Tree together.
   • Ask: “How might seeing these promises every day help us feel more accepting?”
   • Reinforce: “This tree will remind us to practice acceptance all week.”

Follow-Up

• Leave the Pledge Tree displayed in the classroom for the week.
• Encourage students to check off or add a small sticker next to their pledge each time they fulfill it.

Reflection (End of Week)

• Revisit the tree and invite volunteers to share which pledges they kept and how it felt.
• Discuss any changes they noticed in the classroom when acceptance was practiced.