Lesson Plan
Respect & Inclusion
Students will be able to identify why it's harmful to laugh at individuals with disabilities and articulate ways to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.
Fostering an inclusive and respectful classroom is crucial for every student's well-being and learning. This lesson helps students understand the impact of their actions and promotes empathy towards peers with disabilities, ensuring a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Discussion-based lesson using a slide deck, warm-up, and cool-down activities.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck, Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share, Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection, and Respect & Inclusion Script
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Respect & Inclusion Lesson Plan, Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck, Respect & Inclusion Script, Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share, and Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is set up for the slide deck presentation.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share
5 minutes
- Begin with the Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share activity. Present the prompt: "Think of a time when someone's reaction (laughing, staring, etc.) made you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. How did it make you feel?"
- Instruct students to individually think for 1 minute, then pair with a neighbor to share for 2 minutes, and finally, share briefly as a whole class if time permits.
Step 2
Introduction & Discussion (Using Slide Deck)
10 minutes
- Transition to the Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck (slides 1-3).
- Use the Respect & Inclusion Script to introduce the topic of respect and inclusion, emphasizing that all students deserve to feel safe and valued.
- Lead a discussion using prompts from the slide deck and script, focusing on why laughing at others (especially those with disabilities) is harmful and the importance of empathy.
Step 3
Understanding Disabilities & Respect
10 minutes
- Continue through the Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck (slides 4-6).
- Facilitate a discussion about different types of disabilities (without going into excessive detail) and reiterate that disabilities are diverse and do not define a person.
- Discuss practical ways students can show respect and foster an inclusive environment, using examples from the script.
Step 4
Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection
5 minutes
- Conclude the lesson with the Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection activity.
- Ask students to reflect on the lesson and share one word that captures their main takeaway or how they commit to promoting respect and inclusion.
- Collect responses as an exit ticket.
Slide Deck
Welcome! Let's Talk Respect
How do your actions impact others?
Welcome students and introduce the warm-up activity. Explain that today's lesson is about creating a respectful environment for everyone.
What Does Respect Mean?
It's about valuing everyone.
It's about making others feel safe and welcome.
It's about understanding how our words and actions affect others.
Introduce the topic gently. Explain that sometimes people unintentionally cause discomfort. The goal isn't to shame, but to educate and promote understanding.
Disabilities are Diverse
Everyone is unique.
Some people have visible disabilities, others have invisible ones.
Disabilities don't define a person, but they are a part of who they are.
Transition from the warm-up to the core idea of inclusion. Emphasize that disabilities are a part of human diversity.
Why is it Harmful?
It causes hurt and embarrassment.
It makes people feel unwelcome and isolated.
It creates a negative and disrespectful environment.
It implies superiority, which is never true.
Explain why laughing at someone with a disability is harmful. Focus on empathy and the impact on the individual.
How Can We Be More Inclusive?
Think before you act or speak.
Offer help if it's genuinely needed and accepted.
Be a friend and an ally.
Educate yourself and others.
Challenge disrespectful behavior.
Discuss ways to show respect. Encourage students to think about their own behavior and how they can be allies.
Our Role in an Inclusive School
Every student deserves respect.
Your actions make a difference.
Let's build a community where everyone belongs.
Summarize the key takeaway and prepare for the cool-down activity.
Script
Respect & Inclusion Script
Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share (5 minutes)
Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. Today, we're going to talk about something really important: respect and how our actions affect others. To start, I want you to think about this question: Think of a time when someone's reaction – maybe laughing, staring, or making an insensitive comment – made you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. How did it make you feel?
I want you to take one minute to think quietly about this. Don't share yet, just reflect. (Pause for 1 minute)."
Teacher: "Now, I'd like you to turn to a partner next to you. You'll have about two minutes to share your thoughts with each other. Remember, this is a safe space to share experiences and feelings. (Allow 2 minutes for sharing)."
Teacher: "Okay, let's bring it back together. Would anyone like to briefly share something they discussed with their partner, or a general feeling that came up? We don't need to go into detail, just a quick reflection." (Facilitate 1-2 student shares if time permits, then transition).
Introduction & Discussion (Using Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slides 1-3) (10 minutes)
Teacher: "Thank you for sharing. The feelings many of you described – discomfort, embarrassment, hurt – are very real and important to acknowledge. Today, we're going to explore how we can ensure our classroom, and our school, is a place where everyone feels respected and included. No one should ever feel that way here.
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 1: Welcome! Let's Talk Respect)
Teacher: "The title of our lesson today is 'Respect & Inclusion.' Our goal is to understand why it’s never okay to laugh at or make fun of anyone, especially those with disabilities, and how we can all contribute to a more positive environment.
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 2: What Does Respect Mean?)
Teacher: "So, what does respect truly mean? As you can see on the slide, it's about valuing everyone. It's about making others feel safe and welcome. And critically, it's about understanding how our words and actions, even unintentional ones, can affect others. Why do you think understanding this impact is so important?"
(Pause for student responses, guide discussion towards empathy and consequences).
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 3: Disabilities are Diverse)
Teacher: "When we talk about respect, it's important to remember that everyone is unique. Some people have visible disabilities, which means you might be able to see their disability, like someone using a wheelchair. Others have invisible disabilities, which might not be obvious, like learning differences or certain health conditions. What's important to remember is that a disability doesn't define a person, but it is a part of who they are. What are some different types of disabilities you might be aware of?"
(Allow 1-2 student examples, gently correct any misconceptions, focus on diversity).
Understanding Disabilities & Respect (Using Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slides 4-6) (10 minutes)
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 4: Why is it Harmful?)
Teacher: "Let's be very clear about something: laughing at someone, especially someone with a disability, is never acceptable. It causes immense hurt and embarrassment. It makes people feel unwelcome and isolated. Imagine how that would feel for you. It also creates a negative and disrespectful environment for everyone, and it wrongly implies superiority.
Why do you think it's particularly hurtful to laugh at someone because of a disability?"
(Pause for student responses, emphasize the vulnerability and unfairness).
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 5: How Can We Be More Inclusive?)
Teacher: "So, knowing this, how can we actively be more inclusive and respectful? The slide lists some great ideas:
- Think before you act or speak: A moment of thought can prevent a lot of hurt.
- Offer help if it's genuinely needed and accepted: Don't assume; always ask first.
- Be a friend and an ally: Stand up for others, invite them to participate.
- Educate yourself and others: Learning more helps us understand better.
- Challenge disrespectful behavior: If you see something, say something in a safe and appropriate way.
What's one thing from this list that you think is most important, and why?"
(Facilitate discussion, encouraging practical examples).
(Display Respect & Inclusion Slide Deck - Slide 6: Our Role in an Inclusive School)
Teacher: "To wrap up this part of our discussion, let's remember these key points: Every student deserves respect. Your actions make a huge difference in creating the kind of school environment we all want to be a part of. Let's commit to building a community where everyone belongs and feels valued."
Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection (5 minutes)
Teacher: "For our cool-down today, I want everyone to take a moment to reflect on what we've discussed. On an [index card/slip of paper/digital platform], I want you to write down one word that captures your main takeaway from today's lesson, or one word that describes how you commit to promoting respect and inclusion in our school.
(Collect responses as students leave or as an exit ticket).
Teacher: "Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today. Let's carry these words and intentions forward to make our school an even better place for everyone. Have a great rest of your day!"
Warm Up
Warm-Up: Think-Pair-Share
Prompt: Think of a time when someone's reaction (laughing, staring, or an insensitive comment) made you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. How did it make you feel?
Think (1 minute)
Take a moment to quietly reflect on the prompt above. Consider the situation and your emotions.
Pair (2 minutes)
Turn to a partner and share your reflections. Listen actively to your partner's experience as well.
Share (Whole Class - if time permits)
If comfortable, briefly share a general takeaway or a feeling that came up during your discussion with the class.
Cool Down
Cool-Down: One-Word Reflection
Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about respect and inclusion. On the lines below, write down one word that captures your main takeaway, or one word that describes how you commit to promoting respect and inclusion in our school.
My word is: ________________________
Optional: Briefly explain why you chose this word (in 1-2 sentences).