Lesson Plan
Belonging Blueprint
Students will reflect on diverse aspects of identity, identify inclusion gaps in their classroom, and collaboratively create actionable inclusion pledges to foster a more welcoming school climate.
This lesson builds empathy and awareness by helping students see and value differences, recognize when peers may feel excluded, and take concrete steps toward inclusion—strengthening community and belonging.
Audience
7th Grade Class
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Collaborative reflection and creative pledge-making.
Materials
- Identity Spectrum Worksheet, - Pledge Poster Template, - Commitment Circle Prompt Cards, - Poster Paper, - Colored Markers, and - Sticky Notes
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Print sufficient copies of Identity Spectrum Worksheet.
- Prepare blank sheets or Pledge Poster Templates on poster paper.
- Create and cut out Commitment Circle Prompt Cards.
- Arrange desks in small clusters for group work and clear a wall/display area for posters.
- Gather markers, sticky notes, and index cards.
- Review the flow of the lesson and familiarize yourself with all materials.
Step 1
Identity Spectrum Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Distribute one Identity Spectrum Worksheet to each student.
- Ask students to mark where they lie on each spectrum (e.g., extrovert–introvert, local–global, visual–verbal).
- Prompt a Think-Pair-Share: In pairs, students discuss one spectrum where they differ most and why.
- Emphasize respectful listening—no names are shared during discussion to protect privacy.
- Differentiation:
- Provide sentence starters for ELL or shy students ("I feel more __ because...").
- Offer extension: students who finish early jot down a third spectrum they’d add.
Step 2
Pledge Poster Creation & Sharing
30 minutes
- Form groups of 3–4 and give each group a Pledge Poster Template, markers, and sticky notes.
- In groups, students review common inclusion gaps (e.g., feeling left out in clubs, language barriers).
- Brainstorm and agree on 2–3 specific, actionable pledges to address these gaps ("We will invite someone new to our lunch table once a week").
- Design and decorate the poster with clear pledge statements and visuals.
- Once posters are complete, groups rotate to view others’ work in a mini-gallery walk, leaving positive feedback on sticky notes.
- Differentiation:
- Assign roles (researcher, writer, illustrator) based on strengths.
- For advanced learners: challenge them to draft a brief action plan for how to track pledge progress.
Step 3
Commitment Circle Cool-Down
10 minutes
- Invite students to form a circle holding their posters or prompt cards.
- Hand out one Commitment Circle Prompt Card per student (e.g., "What will you do this week to honor our pledges?").
- Going around the circle, each student reads their pledge aloud and shares one personal action they’ll take.
- Collect prompt cards to display on a classroom “Inclusion Wall.”
- Reinforce that these pledges guide daily behavior and will be revisited in future check-ins.
- Differentiation:
- Allow students who prefer to pass once to share non-verbally by placing a symbol next to a class pledge on the Inclusion Wall.
Warm Up
Identity Spectrum Worksheet
Place an “X” on the line where you see yourself for each pair. There are no right or wrong answers—just be honest!
- Extrovert ———————————————————— Introvert
- Local ——————————————————————————— Global
- Visual ———————————————————————— Verbal
- Analytical ——————————————————— Creative
- Risk-Taker ——————————————————— Risk-Averse
- Independent —————————————————— Collaborative
- My Own Spectrum: ____________________ ————————————————— ________________
Reflection: Which spectrum surprised you most about yourself? Why?
Think–Pair–Share Prompt: Identify one spectrum where you think your partner might differ most from you.
Partner’s Name: ____________ Their Spectrum Choice: ____________
Activity
Pledge Poster Creation Template
Group Name: ____________________________
Group Members: _________________________
Our Inclusion Pledges
- Pledge 1:
- Pledge 2:
- Pledge 3:
Visual Representation
Use this space to draw or collage a picture, symbol, or design that captures the spirit of your pledges.
Design Tips
- Write your pledges in clear, bold letters so everyone can read them from a distance.
- Choose colors that stand out against your poster paper.
- Add icons or simple drawings next to each pledge to illustrate the action (e.g., a handshake for friendliness).
- Leave space around text for easy readability.
When your poster is complete, display it on the wall for the gallery walk and be ready to share how your group will bring these pledges to life!
Cool Down
Commitment Circle Prompt Cards
Cut along the dotted lines and distribute one card to each student.
“What will you do this week to honor our class pledges?”
“Name one pledge and describe how you’ll practice it tomorrow.”
“Who in our class might need extra support? How can you help them feel included?”
“Share a time you felt included. How did it impact you?”
“When have you felt excluded? How can you help someone else feel included?”
“What is one kind gesture you can do for a classmate this week?”
“Which pledge resonates most with you, and why?”
“How will you check in on our inclusion pledges next week?”
“Who will you invite to join an activity or conversation this week?”
“What creative idea do you have to celebrate inclusion in our class?”