Lesson Plan
Inclusion Lesson Plan
Students will understand inclusion’s meaning and importance, and develop empathy-driven strategies to foster inclusive environments through discussion, reflection, and collaborative action planning.
Building inclusive mindsets ensures every student feels valued, strengthens classroom community, reduces isolation, and supports social-emotional growth.
Audience
Middle School Students, 8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, scenario work, reflection, and group planning.
Materials
Inclusion Scenarios Cards, Empathy Reflection Worksheet, Inclusive Action-Plan Template, Chart Paper or Whiteboard, and Markers
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut out Inclusion Scenarios Cards.
- Make a class set of Empathy Reflection Worksheet.
- Prepare copies of the Inclusive Action-Plan Template.
- Arrange chart paper or whiteboard and markers for group work.
- Review all materials to familiarize yourself with scenarios and guiding questions.
Step 1
Introduction & Definition
5 minutes
- Ask students: “What does inclusion mean?” and record responses.
- Present a concise definition: inclusion means ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported.
- Share 1–2 quick examples and non-examples.
- Emphasize why inclusion matters for classroom community.
Step 2
Scenario Exploration
10 minutes
- Divide class into small groups of 3–4.
- Distribute a set of Inclusion Scenarios Cards to each group.
- Instruct groups to read each scenario and discuss:
- Is this inclusive? Why or why not?
- How could the situation be made more inclusive?
- Have groups jot down key points on chart paper or their own sheets.
- Circulate to monitor understanding and support struggling groups.
Step 3
Individual Reflection
5 minutes
- Hand out the Empathy Reflection Worksheet to each student.
- Prompt students to reflect on a time they felt excluded or included and answer:
- What happened?
- How did it feel?
- What could others have done differently?
- Offer sentence starters for students needing extra support.
Step 4
Action Planning & Share-Out
10 minutes
- Return students to their groups.
- Provide each group with the Inclusive Action-Plan Template.
- Ask groups to identify 2–3 concrete actions they can implement to foster inclusion in class (e.g., greeting peers, inclusive seating).
- Have each group briefly share one action with the class; record actions on the board.
- Close by assigning students to pick one action to try in the next week.
Slide Deck
Inclusion: All Together
Building empathy, communication, and collaboration for an inclusive community.
Introduce the lesson: Today we'll explore what inclusion means, why it's important, and how we can foster inclusive environments in our classroom. Share the objectives: understand inclusion, reflect on personal experiences, and create action plans.
What Is Inclusion?
Question:
- What does inclusion mean to you?
Definition:
- Inclusion means ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported.
Ask students to define inclusion. Write responses on the board. Then present the concise definition: Inclusion means ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported. Ask for any clarifying questions.
Inclusive vs. Non-Inclusive Behaviors
Examples:
- Inviting a new student to join a group
- Using clear, respectful language
Non-Examples:
- Ignoring someone during activities
- Excluding peers because of differences
Share examples and non-examples. Discuss why each example is inclusive or not. Encourage students to think of additional examples of inclusive and non-inclusive behaviors.
Scenario Exploration
- In groups of 3–4, read each scenario from Inclusion Scenarios Cards.
- Discuss:
• Is this inclusive? Why or why not?
• How could we make it more inclusive? - Jot down your key points.
Divide into groups of 3–4. Distribute Inclusion Scenarios Cards. Instruct students to discuss: Is this inclusive? How could we improve it? Circulate to support and prompt deeper thinking.
Individual Reflection
Use the Empathy Reflection Worksheet to reflect on a personal experience:
- What happened?
- How did it feel?
- What could others have done differently?
Distribute the Empathy Reflection Worksheet. Prompt students to recall a time they felt excluded or included and guide them through the questions. Offer sentence starters if needed.
Action Planning & Share-Out
- In your group, use the Inclusive Action-Plan Template.
- Identify 2–3 concrete actions to foster inclusion (e.g., greeting peers, inclusive seating).
- Share one action with the class; it will be recorded on the board.
Return to groups. Hand out the Inclusive Action-Plan Template. Ask groups to list 2–3 concrete actions and then share one with the class while you record them.
Next Steps
- Choose one action to try this week.
- Reflect on your experience in our next class.
Close by asking each student to choose one action from today’s session to practice this week. Remind them that small acts can make a big difference.
Activity
Inclusion Scenarios Cards
Divide students into small groups and give each group a full set of the following scenario cards. For each card, groups should discuss:
- Is this situation inclusive or non-inclusive? Why?
- How could we make it more inclusive?
Card 1:
At lunch, a group of friends gathers at a table but doesn’t invite Maya, who ends up sitting alone.
Card 2:
In science lab, roles are assigned for a group experiment. Sam, who is quieter, isn’t offered a speaking part and only does a small task.
Card 3:
During recess, Leo brings an extra basketball and says, “Anyone who wants to join is welcome!” New classmates play together.
Card 4:
A student makes a joke about another classmate’s accent. Some students laugh while the targeted student looks hurt.
Card 5:
When Nora struggles with a math problem, a peer comes over, sits by her side, and says, “Let me show you another way to solve this.”
Card 6:
In art class, a group picks a painting theme and dismisses Jordan’s idea without discussion.
Card 7:
During gym, a soccer game starts. Students playing say “We don’t need an extra player,” leaving Sam out even though there’s room.
Card 8:
At the start of class, Mia notices Max arriving late. She greets him warmly and helps him catch up on instructions.
Card 9:
A new student speaks in their home language at lunch. A classmate approaches, says, “That sounds interesting—teach me a phrase,” and listens attentively.
Card 10:
During group work, two students dominate the conversation. The third student’s ideas aren’t heard because no one pauses to ask for input.
Worksheet
Empathy Reflection Worksheet
Name: _____________________________ Date: _______________
Instructions: Think of a time when you felt either included or excluded by others. Use the prompts below to reflect on what happened, how you felt, and what could have made the experience more positive.
1. Describe the situation. What happened?
2. How did you feel in that moment? Use descriptive words.
3. What thoughts were running through your mind at the time?
4. How did others behave or respond?
5. What could others have done differently to help you feel more included (or maintain that sense of inclusion)?
6. Looking ahead: What is one action you can take to foster inclusion for yourself and others?
Sentence Starters (optional):
- "I felt ___ when ___ because ___ ."
- "Next time, I will ___ to help someone feel included."
- "I noticed that others ___ when ___."
Activity
Inclusive Action-Plan Template
Use this template to guide your group in choosing and planning 2–3 concrete actions that foster inclusion. Be as specific as possible about roles, timing, and how you’ll know your plan is working.
Group Name: __________________________ Date: _______________
Group Members: _______________________________________________________
1. Action Plan Overview
| Action # | What will we do? | Who is responsible? | When will we do it? | How will we know it worked? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
| 2. | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
| 3. | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ | ___________________________ |
2. Resources & Support Needed
- Materials or space we’ll use: ____________________________________________
- People we’ll ask for help (teachers, peers, etc.): ___________________________
3. Reflection & Next Steps (After Implementation)
- What went well?
_________________________________________________________________ - What challenges did we face?
_________________________________________________________________ - How can we adjust our plan to be even more inclusive next time?
_________________________________________________________________
Reminder: Choose one action from your plan to try first and discuss your experiences at your next meeting or class check-in.
Cool Down
Inclusion Exit Ticket
Name: _____________________________ Date: _______________
- One important thing I learned about inclusion today is:
- An action I will take this week to foster inclusion in our classroom is:
- One question or thought I still have about inclusion is: