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Empathy and Inclusion Workshop

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Lesson Plan

Empathy and Inclusion Workshop

Working with those on the spectrum

This lesson aims to foster empathy and understanding among students by engaging them in interactive role-playing activities that highlight the experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. This session is crucial for developing social-emotional skills such as empathy, inclusion, and teamwork.

Audience

Grades 6

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Working with those on the spectrum

Materials

Role-Playing Scenarios worksheet, Discussion Questions handout, and Reflection Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction

5 mins

  • Briefly explain what autism is in age-appropriate terms. Highlight that autism is a spectrum and that individuals with autism can have a wide range of abilities and challenges.
  • Emphasize the importance of empathy and inclusion.

Step 2

Role-Playing Activity

15 mins

  • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a role-playing scenario related to experiences individuals on the spectrum might encounter.
  • Ask each group to act out their scenario and then discuss how it made them feel and what they learned from the experience.
  • Rotate scenarios if time permits.

Step 3

Group Discussion

7 mins

  • Bring the class back together for a guided discussion using the provided questions.
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences from the role-playing activity.

Step 4

Reflection

3 mins

  • Hand out the Reflection Worksheet for students to complete individually.
  • Ask students to write about what they learned and how they can be more inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism in their daily lives.

Step 5

Closure

1 min

  • Thank the students for their participation and remind them of the importance of empathy and inclusion in their everyday interactions.
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Worksheet

Role-Playing Scenarios

A worksheet with different role-playing scenarios related to challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum for students to act out in small groups.

Scenario 1: You are in a noisy cafeteria and feel overwhelmed by the sounds around you.

Act out how you would feel and how you might cope in this situation.







Scenario 2: You have a special interest in a particular topic and want to share it with your classmates, but they don't seem interested.

Demonstrate your enthusiasm and how you might handle the situation if others don't respond positively.







Scenario 3: You are in a group activity but find it hard to understand the instructions.

Show how you might seek help and what you might feel.







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Discussion

Discussion Questions

A guided discussion to help students reflect on their role-playing experiences and the importance of empathy and inclusion.

How did the scenarios make you feel?

Encourage students to share their emotions and thoughts honestly.







What challenges did you notice that individuals on the autism spectrum might face?

Highlight the diversity of experiences and challenges.







How can we be more inclusive and supportive of individuals with autism?

Discuss practical steps and ideas.







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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

A worksheet for students to reflect on what they learned during the workshop and how they can apply their understanding to be more inclusive.

What did you learn about autism today?








How can you be more empathetic towards those on the spectrum?








What will you do differently in your daily life to be more inclusive?








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