Inclusion Lesson Script

Introduction (Warm-Up - 5 minutes)

"Good morning, everyone! Let's start our lesson by thinking about a simple question: What does inclusion mean to you? You have about 1-2 minutes to think this over and then pair up with a friend to share your thoughts. When you're ready, we'll come back together as a class."

Introduction & Slide Deck Presentation (10 minutes)

"Now that we’ve warmed up, let's dive a bit deeper. I’m going to show you our Inclusion Slide Deck. Please watch and listen as each slide gives us important ideas that will help us build an inclusive classroom.

(Click to display the slide titled 'Creating a Culture of Inclusion')

'Welcome! Today we will explore how to create a classroom where everyone feels valued. Let's get started!'

(Proceed to next slide.)

"This slide asks: What is Inclusion? Inclusion means making sure everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued. It’s an environment where every single person is treated fairly—even if we have different backgrounds, interests, or abilities."

(Proceed to the 'Key Concepts' slide.)

"Let’s look at some key concepts on this slide. We have:
• Diversity – celebrating our differences,
• Empathy – understanding and sharing our feelings, and
• Respect – valuing every individual.

Can anyone share an example or a moment when they saw or experienced one of these ideas in action?"

(Allow students to share briefly.)

(Proceed to the 'Examples in Action' slide.)

"Here on this slide we are asked: How can we practice diversity, empathy, and respect every day? Think about ways you or someone you know has helped someone feel included. I’d love for you to start thinking of some ideas now, as we’ll use these ideas very shortly."

Activity (15 minutes)

"Now, it's time to get creative and work together. I'm going to divide you into small groups. In your groups, you'll work on the Inclusion Activity. Your task is to brainstorm practical ways to create a more inclusive classroom. Think about simple actions or changes we can make so that every person in our classroom feels welcome and respected.

Don't hesitate to share any idea, no matter how small it might seem. I’ll come around to help if you have questions. You have about 15 minutes. When you’re finished, we’ll reconvene and share the ideas with the whole class. Ready? Let’s break into groups!"

Discussion (10 minutes)

"Welcome back, everyone. I hope you had a great discussion in your groups. Now, let's share! I’d like each group to send one member up to share one or two ideas your group came up with. Remember, every idea is important, and we all have a role in fostering an inclusive environment.

As you listen to your classmates, consider these questions:

• How do you think these ideas can make a difference in our classroom?
• Can any of these ideas be adapted to help other situations?

If you have a question or want to add to another group's idea, feel free to do so. Let's have an open and respectful conversation."

(Allow a few groups to share and facilitate discussion as needed.)

Cool Down (5 minutes)

"As we wrap up our lesson today, let’s take a moment to reflect on everything we've discussed. We learned that inclusion is about making sure every person feels welcome, and that diversity, empathy, and respect are the pillars of an inclusive environment.

Before we finish, I want each of you to think about one personal commitment you can make to help promote inclusion. It might be as simple as smiling at someone new, or offering to help a classmate who feels left out. Take a minute to reflect on your commitment.

Thank you for your thoughtful participation today. Remember, creating a culture of inclusion starts with each one of us. I’m proud of the ideas we shared, and I can’t wait to see these ideas in action here in our classroom. Have a great day, everyone!"

Inclusion Activity

Instructions:

• Small Group Brainstorming: Divide into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will work together to come up with as many ideas as possible on ways to create an inclusive classroom.

• Focus Areas: Consider the key concepts of diversity, empathy, and respect. Think about practical, everyday actions that make everyone feel welcome and valued.

• Brainstorming Questions:

  • What are simple actions you can take to help someone feel included?
  • How can we respect and celebrate our differences?
  • What does empathy look like in a classroom setting?

Group Work:

• You have 15 minutes to discuss and list your ideas on a piece of paper or a shared digital document.

• Be creative—there are no wrong answers. Each idea is a step toward making our classroom a better place for everyone.

Sharing:

• After the group work, one member from each group will be invited to share one or two key ideas with the class during our discussion session.

• Listen actively to your classmates' ideas and think about how these ideas might be applied in different situations.

Remember: Your actions and ideas are important in creating an inclusive environment where every person feels valued.

Happy brainstorming!

Inclusion Warm Up

Personal Reflection

"Take a moment to think about the meaning of inclusion. What does it personally mean to you?"

Pair Share

"Turn to a neighbor and briefly share your thoughts. Listen carefully to your partner’s idea."

Class Reflection

"After your brief discussion, we'll ask a few volunteers to share what they discussed with the whole class. This will help us start thinking about how we can all contribute to a more inclusive environment."

Inclusion Cool Down

Reflection and Commitment

"As we close our lesson today on creating a culture of inclusion, let's take a moment to reflect on what we've learned. Think about the key ideas of diversity, empathy, and respect. How can these values shape our daily interactions in the classroom?"

Personal Commitment

"Now, I'd like each of you to take a moment to consider one personal action you can commit to in order to promote inclusion. It might be a small act, like welcoming someone new or offering help to a classmate, but every action counts. Write down your commitment on a piece of paper or in your journal."

Sharing and Closure

"If you feel comfortable, share your commitment with a partner or with the whole class. Remember, the goal is to support each other in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Thank you for your thoughtful contributions today, and keep making a difference in our community!"

Inclusion Discussion

Overview

In this discussion, you will share your ideas on how to create a more inclusive classroom and explore the deeper meanings of inclusion. Be respectful and listen actively as your peers share their thoughts. This is a space for open conversation, learning, and growth.

Discussion Prompts

1. Reflect on Your Group's Ideas:

   • What was one idea from your group that you found particularly inspiring or practical? Why did it resonate with you?

   
   
   
   

2. Personal Connection:

   • Can you share a personal experience where you felt included or excluded? How did that experience shape your understanding of what it means to be inclusive?

   
   
   
   

3. Diverse Perspectives:

   • Our classroom is a mix of different backgrounds and experiences. How do you think diversity contributes to an inclusive environment, and what can we do to celebrate our differences?

   
   
   
   

4. Empathy in Action:

   • Empathy is a key component of inclusion. What are some ways you can show empathy towards your classmates to help create a more supportive classroom community?

   
   
   
   

5. Future Commitments:

   • Reflecting on today's lesson and our discussion, what is one personal commitment you’d like to make to help foster inclusion in our classroom or community?

   
   
   
   

Guidelines for a Respectful Discussion

• Listen Actively: Allow your classmates to finish their thoughts before speaking.
• Stay On Topic: Keep your comments related to the prompts and the overall theme of inclusion.
• Be Respectful: Value every opinion and share your thoughts in a way that builds a supportive environment.
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand someone's point or want more details, ask clarifying questions.

Follow-Up Points

• Linking Ideas: Think about how the ideas discussed can be applied not only in the classroom but also in other areas of your life.
• Building Bridges: Consider how you can invite someone who might feel marginalized into group activities and everyday interactions.
• Inspire Action: Reflect on the commitments shared and brainstorm ways to hold each other accountable in creating an inclusive environment.

Feel free to write your responses in your discussion journal or share them aloud. Your unique perspective is valuable, and together we can build a culture where everyone feels included and respected.