Lesson Plan
Ubuntu Allies Lesson Plan
Students will deepen understanding of Ubuntu by reviewing their existing class charter, reflecting on its key statements, and practicing allyship roles to foster respect and repair community over two 30-minute sessions.
Revisiting an existing charter helps students internalize agreed-upon norms, reflect on shared values, and prepare to enact them through concrete allyship roles and repair strategies.
Audience
Middle School Students (Grades 5–8)
Time
2 sessions × 30 minutes
Approach
Collaborative reflection, role-play, and project-based learning.
Materials
- Ubuntu Allies Slide Deck, - Warm-Up Prompt Cards, - Existing Class Charter (posted prominently in the room), - Role Cards Template, - Community Repair Game Materials, - Ubuntu Allies Project Rubric, and - Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review Ubuntu Allies Slide Deck.
- Ensure the existing class charter is displayed prominently in the room.
- Print copies of Role Cards Template and Cool-Down Reflection Sheet.
- Prepare sets of Warm-Up Prompt Cards and Community Repair Game Materials.
- Familiarize yourself with the Ubuntu Allies Project Rubric.
- Arrange classroom seating for small groups and whole-class discussion.
- Plan speech-friendly supports (visual cues, sentence starters) for students with IEPs.
Step 1
Session 1: Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Distribute Warm-Up Prompt Cards.
- In pairs, students pick a card and discuss what respect means in their own words.
- Invite 2–3 students to share insights, using sentence starters on the board.
Step 2
Session 1: Introduction to Ubuntu
5 minutes
- Present definition and examples of Ubuntu via Ubuntu Allies Slide Deck.
- Highlight how Ubuntu emphasizes community and mutual respect.
- Use visuals and simple language for speech-supports.
Step 3
Session 1: Charter Review & Reflection
15 minutes
- Display the existing class charter where everyone can see.
- In pairs, students choose one charter statement they find most meaningful and discuss why it matters.
- Groups share their chosen statements and reasoning with the class.
- Teacher notes any suggestions for future charter updates.
Step 4
Session 1: Cool-Down
5 minutes
- Distribute Cool-Down Reflection Sheet.
- Students write or draw one way they will show respect this week.
- Collect sheets for teacher to review and note support needs.
Step 5
Session 2: Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Revisit class charter posted in room.
- Quick roundtable: “What role do you play in keeping our charter alive?”
- Prompt with visuals and allow nonverbal responses.
Step 6
Session 2: Community Repair Game
10 minutes
- Introduce scenarios of someone feeling unsafe or disrespected.
- In small groups, use Community Repair Game Materials to role-play fixing the harm.
- Encourage students to use Ubuntu principles and charter statements.
- Debrief: Each group shares one strategy they used.
Step 7
Session 2: Role Assignment Project
10 minutes
- Present different allyship roles (Peer Mediator, Lunch Bin Helper, Classroom Assistant, Buddy Support).
- Distribute Role Cards Template.
- In groups of
Slide Deck
Ubuntu Allies: Respect & Community
A 2-session lesson exploring respect through the African value of Ubuntu.
• Build a Class Charter
• Practice Allyship Roles
• Repair and Reflect Together
Welcome students and introduce the two-session Ubuntu Allies unit. Explain that Ubuntu means “I am because we are” and we’ll learn respect, community, and how to repair harm together.
Outline today’s activities: warm-up, definition, class charter creation.
What Is Ubuntu?
Ubuntu (OO-boon-too):
“I am because we are.”
An African value that emphasizes:
• Community
• Mutual respect
• Shared responsibility
Display the slide and read the definition aloud. Use a picture of people helping each other. Ask for a volunteer to rephrase the definition in their own words. Provide sentence starters for speech-support.
Why Respect Matters
When we respect each other:
• Everyone feels safe and valued
• We work better as a team
• We can repair mistakes and move forward
Connect Ubuntu to classroom respect. Share a short story/example: someone sharing materials helps everyone learn. Encourage nonverbal thumbs-up/thumbs-down check-in on why respect matters.
Warm-Up: What Does Respect Mean?
- In pairs, pick a prompt card.
- Discuss: “Respect means….”
- Share one idea with the class.
Hand out the Warm-Up Prompt Cards. Pair students—one reader, one responder. Monitor pairs, support speech-impaired students by providing picture icons or yes/no cards.
After 3 minutes, invite 2–3 students to share their definitions.
Session 1: Create Our Class Charter
• Brainstorm “We show respect by…”
• In groups, select 3–4 top ideas
• Combine into our Class Charter
• Display it where everyone can see
Guide the whole-class brainstorm. Record “We show respect by…” statements on chart paper. Break into small groups using visuals. Offer sentence starters: “We show respect by listening when….”
Introduction to Allyship Roles
Peer Mediator
– Help classmates solve small disagreements
Lunch Bin Helper
– Ensure everyone has needed supplies
Classroom Assistant
– Support teacher and peers with tasks
Buddy Support
– Check-in with friends who need help
Introduce each role with a brief description and example. Encourage students to act out a quick demonstration. Provide visual icons on the slide.
Highlight how each role encourages respect.
Session 2: Community Repair Game
- Read a scenario of harm or exclusion
- Role-play using Ubuntu principles
- Practice repairing the harm
- Share one strategy with the class
Explain Community Repair Game rules. Read a scenario aloud and model a repair strategy. Provide role-play scripts for students with speech supports.
After 8 minutes, debrief with each group sharing one strategy.
Session 2: Role Assignment Project
• Choose one allyship role
• Define its responsibilities
• Create a poster: How it supports respect
• Use the Project Rubric for guidance
Distribute Role Cards Template and Rubric. Explain project steps. Circulate to support group planning, offer picture cues and word banks for students with IEPs.
Remind them to create a poster explaining responsibilities.
Reflection & Cool-Down
Reflect on:
• Which role would you like to try?
• How will you use Ubuntu to support others?
Return Cool-Down Reflection Sheet. Read prompts aloud. Allow drawing or writing. Offer communication boards or sentence stems.
Collect sheets to gauge understanding and plan next role rotations.
Materials & Resources
• Worksheet: Class Charter & Role Cards
• Rubric: Ubuntu Allies Project
• Game Materials & Prompt Cards
• Reflection Sheets
Quickly review materials and remind students where to find worksheets, cards, and the rubric. Encourage them to revisit the Class Charter daily.
Warm Up
Warm-Up Prompt Cards
Use these prompt cards to spark deeper reflection about respect and allyship. Print, cut out, and share one card per pair or small group.
- How do you personally define respect? Share an example from school or home where that definition applied.
- Recall a moment you felt truly respected by someone. What specific actions or words made you feel that way?
- Describe a time when respect was missing in a group setting. What happened, and what were the consequences for those involved?
- How can showing respect change the dynamics of a team or class? Give an example of a positive shift you’ve observed.
- Ubuntu says “I am because we are.” How does this principle deepen your understanding of respect and community?
- In what ways can you act as an ally both in person and online? List at least two strategies you could use this week.
- What challenges might you face when standing up for someone else? How would you overcome those obstacles?
- Imagine you see someone excluded or hurt by words or actions. How could you apply our class charter and Ubuntu values to repair the situation?
Activity
Community Repair Game Materials
Use these materials to guide students through role-playing and repairing harm scenarios using Ubuntu principles.
1. Scenario Cards (Print & Cut)
Cut along the lines and place cards face down. In groups, students draw a card and role-play the scenario.
Card 1:
“A new student joins the class. Some kids whisper and leave them out during recess.”
Card 2:
“During group work, Sam’s idea is dismissed loudly by another student. Sam looks upset.”
Card 3:
“At lunch, Mia accidentally spills juice on another student’s project. The other student is angry and tears it up.”
Card 4:
“Jordan brings a favorite game to share, but no one wants to play with them.”
Card 5:
“A student uses a nickname that makes another feel sad and excluded.”
2. Repair Strategy Sheet
Provide each group with a copy. Students fill in steps to plan how they will repair the harm using Ubuntu.
- Name the Harm
“I notice that ___ happened, and it made ___ feel ___.” - Acknowledge & Apologize
“I’m sorry that I ___.” - Make Amends
“I will ___ to help fix this (example: rebuild the project, invite to play, include in group).” - Ask for Input
“Is there anything else I can do to make this better?” - Reflect Together
“What did we learn? How can we show respect next time?”
3. Role-Play Script Template
Each student chooses a part: Harmed Person, Ally/Peer Mediator, Bystander, or Observer.
Harmed Person:
- Describe how you feel and what happened.
Ally/Peer Mediator:
- Use steps from the Repair Strategy Sheet to guide the repair.
Bystander:
- Offer support: “I saw what happened. How can I help?”
Observer:
- Watch and note one thing the group did well and one idea for next time.
When finished, each group shares their role-play and repair plan. Debrief by asking:
- Which Ubuntu principles did you use?
- How did following the class charter help?
- What will you remember when repairing harm in the future?
Project Guide
Ubuntu Allies Project
Overview
In this culminating group project, students will:
- Choose an allyship role
- Define its responsibilities
- Design a poster explaining how the role supports respect through the value of Ubuntu
- Present the poster to the class
This project helps reinforce community repair, allyship, and respectful classroom culture.
Materials
- Role Cards Template
- Poster paper, markers, colored pencils
- Ubuntu Allies Project Rubric
- Optional: stickers, magazines for collage visuals
Steps
- Form groups of 3–4 students. Assign roles if needed (reader, recorder, illustrator).
- Choose one allyship role from the Role Cards Template:
- Peer Mediator
- Lunch Bin Helper
- Classroom Assistant
- Buddy Support
- Define Responsibilities
- As a group, list 3–4 key tasks for your role using the template.
- Use sentence starters:
- “My role is ______.”
- “I will help by ______.”
- “This supports respect because ______.”
- Plan Your Poster Layout
- Title Area: Role name and icon or drawing
- Responsibilities Section: Clear bullet points or short sentences
- Ubuntu & Respect Connection: One paragraph or a few sentences describing how your role builds community (“I am because we are.”)
- Visual Illustration: Draw or collage an example of your role in action
- Create Your Poster
- Write neatly or print labels
- Include visuals (icons, drawings, colors)
- Check against the Ubuntu Allies Project Rubric
- Present & Reflect
- Each group shares their poster in a 2–3 minute presentation
- Explain your role, responsibilities, and connection to Ubuntu
- Classmates give positive feedback and ask one question
Supports for Diverse Learners
- Provide word banks and picture icons for each section
- Offer sentence starters on a chart or slide
- Allow students to draw or record audio responses if writing is challenging
- Pair students for peer reading and scribing
Use this project to celebrate how each allyship role strengthens our class community and repairs harm when respect is challenged. Together, we live Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
Rubric
Ubuntu Allies Project Rubric
Use this rubric to assess your group poster project. Circle the level that best describes your work for each criterion.
| Criteria | Exceeds (4) | Meets (3) | Approaching (2) | Beginning (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding of Role | Fully identifies 3–4 key tasks with detailed, accurate descriptions that match the role. | Identifies 3 key tasks clearly and correctly. | Identifies 2 tasks; descriptions are general or incomplete. | Identifies 1 or no tasks; responsibilities are unclear or inaccurate. |
| Clarity & Organization | Layout is exceptionally clear; text is easy to read, sections are well‐labeled, logical flow. | Information is clear and organized; minor layout or labeling issues. | Some sections are unclear or disorganized; reader must search for information. | Information is confusing; poster lacks clear organization and labels. |
| Connection to Ubuntu & Respect | Insightful explanation of how the role fosters Ubuntu and respect; uses examples or stories. | Clear explanation of how the role supports Ubuntu and respect; one or two examples given. | General or vague explanation; connection to Ubuntu or respect is only partially made. | Little or no explanation; connection to Ubuntu/respect is missing or incorrect. |
| Visuals & Creativity | Engaging, relevant visuals; highly creative design enhances understanding. | Uses appropriate visuals and colors that support the content. | Includes basic visuals; design is simple with limited creativity. | No visuals or visuals unrelated; lacks creativity and visual appeal. |
| Teamwork & Collaboration | Group functions seamlessly; every member contributes equally and supports peers. | Group collaborates well; most members contribute and support each other. | Uneven contribution; a few members do most of the work, limited peer support. | Little to no collaboration; one or two members do all the work; peers are not involved. |
Total Points: ____ / 20
Feedback & Next Steps:
Cool Down
Cool-Down Reflection Sheet
Session 1 Reflection
Draw or write one way you will show respect this week.
Session 2 Reflection
Which allyship role would you like to try? How will you use Ubuntu to support others?
Discussion
Ubuntu Allies Discussion
Discussion Guidelines
- Listen respectfully and wait your turn to speak.
- Use sentence starters if it helps (e.g., “I think…”, “I wonder…”, “I feel…”).
- Give everyone a chance: raise your hand or use a signal to share.
- Speak kindly and build on each other’s ideas.
Opening Reflection (5 minutes)
- Revisit our Class Charter displayed in the room.
- Think quietly: What is one rule from our charter that matters most to you? Why?
Guiding Questions (15 minutes)
- What Is Ubuntu?
• In your own words, what does “I am because we are” mean?
• How did the Ubuntu Allies Slide Deck help you understand community and respect? - Connecting Charter & Community Repair
• During the Community Repair Game, what was one strategy you used to fix harm?
• How did our charter statements guide that strategy?
Follow-up: How might you adapt that strategy if it happened on the playground? - Exploring Feelings of Inclusion
• Describe a time you felt included or excluded at school. What happened?
• How did it make you feel?
Follow-up: What could an ally have done to help in that moment? - Roles & Responsibilities
• Review the allyship roles from our Role Cards Template: Peer Mediator, Lunch Bin Helper, Classroom Assistant, Buddy Support.
• Which role stood out to you and why?
• How would you use that role to make everyone feel protected and respected?
Follow-up: What challenges might you face in that role, and how would you overcome them? - Living Ubuntu Beyond School
• How can you practice Ubuntu at home, on the bus, or online?
• Share one idea for showing respect using Ubuntu outside our classroom.
Closing Connection (5 minutes)
- Go around the circle: each student shares one action they will take this week to show respect or repair harm, using a charter rule or Ubuntu principle.
- Celebrate how every voice and role strengthens our class community.