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The Inclusion Circle

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Suzie Hart

Tier 3
For Schools

Lesson Plan

My Inclusion Practice Plan

Students will be able to identify and practice inclusive behaviors in various scenarios.

Learning to be inclusive helps students build stronger friendships, understand different perspectives, and create a welcoming environment for everyone. These are crucial life skills for social awareness.

Audience

1st Grade Student

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, role-play, and a short quiz.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Being a Buddy Builder Slide Deck, Role-Play Scenarios for Inclusion Script, and Inclusion Action Check Quiz

Prep

Review Materials

5 minutes

Review the Being a Buddy Builder Slide Deck, Role-Play Scenarios for Inclusion Script, and Inclusion Action Check Quiz. Prepare any necessary whiteboard space or projector setup.

Step 1

Introduction: What is Inclusion?

3 minutes

Begin by asking students what they think 'inclusion' means. Use the Being a Buddy Builder Slide Deck to introduce the concept of being a 'Buddy Builder' and creating an 'Inclusion Circle'.

Step 2

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

Guide students through various role-play scenarios from the Role-Play Scenarios for Inclusion Script. Encourage participation and discussion about different ways to be inclusive in each situation.

Step 3

Discuss and Reflect

5 minutes

After each role-play, discuss with the student what went well and what could be done differently. Emphasize the feelings of those involved and the positive impact of inclusive actions.

Step 4

Inclusion Action Check

2 minutes

Distribute the Inclusion Action Check Quiz as a quick check for understanding. Review answers and reinforce key concepts.

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Slide Deck

Being a Buddy Builder!

What does it mean to be a good friend?

Engage students by asking what they think makes a good friend. Write down their ideas on the board.

Our Inclusion Circle

It means making sure EVERYONE feels like they belong and can play! No one is left out.

Explain that an 'Inclusion Circle' means making sure everyone feels welcome and part of the group. Use simple language and examples.

Who Are Buddy Builders?

Buddy Builders are kids who help everyone feel included!

They make sure no one is alone.

How can you be a Buddy Builder?

Introduce the idea of 'Buddy Builders' as students who actively work to include others. Ask for examples of how they can be Buddy Builders.

What Would a Buddy Builder Do?

Imagine you see someone sitting alone. What can you do to make them feel included?

Present a simple scenario and ask students how a Buddy Builder would act. This sets up the role-play activity.

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Script

Role-Play Scenarios for Inclusion

Teacher: "Alright, Buddy Builders! Now we're going to practice being inclusive. I'm going to describe some situations, and I need a few volunteers to show us what a great Buddy Builder would do. Remember, the goal is to make everyone feel welcome and happy!"

Scenario 1: A New Friend Arrives

Teacher: "Imagine a new student, Maya, joins our class. It's recess, and everyone is playing in groups, but Maya is standing by herself, looking a little shy."

"Who would like to be Maya, and who wants to be a Buddy Builder?"

(Allow students to volunteer. Guide them through the scenario.)

Teacher: "What could our Buddy Builder say or do to help Maya feel included?"

(Prompt students: "Maybe you could invite her to play?" or "What game are you playing? Could Maya join?")

Teacher: "Excellent! How do you think Maya feels now? What a great job making her feel welcome!"

Scenario 2: Different Interests

Teacher: "Now, imagine you and your friends are building a tall tower with blocks. Another student, Leo, comes over and wants to draw pictures, but you don't have enough space or materials for drawing where you are."

"Who wants to be Leo, and who will be the Buddy Builders?"

(Allow students to volunteer. Guide them through the scenario.)

Teacher: "How can our Buddy Builders include Leo, even if he wants to do something a little different?"

(Prompt students: "Could you suggest a compromise?" or "Could you invite him to help with the tower in a different way, or suggest drawing together later?")

Teacher: "That's a fantastic idea! It shows that even if we like different things, we can still be friends and find ways to include everyone. Maybe you could draw a picture of the tower together!"

Scenario 3: Someone is Feeling Sad

Teacher: "One more! Imagine your friend, Sam, looks sad today. They're usually really happy, but today they're quiet and not joining in the games."

"Who wants to be Sam, and who will be the Buddy Builders?"

(Allow students to volunteer. Guide them through the scenario.)

Teacher: "What can our Buddy Builders do to show Sam they care and help him feel better and included?"

(Prompt students: "Could you ask what's wrong in a kind voice?" or "Could you invite them to just sit and watch for a bit, or offer a comforting word?")

Teacher: "Wonderful! Sometimes, just showing someone you notice them and care is the best way to include them. Great job, Buddy Builders!"

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Quiz

Inclusion Action Check

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