Lesson Idea | Teaching Inclusivity and Kindness to Elementary Students

Introduction

Creating an inclusive and kind environment is essential for the development of young students. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps educators teach these values by providing tools and strategies that encourage students to be more empathetic and considerate of others’ feelings. This blog post will explore an activity that can be used to teach inclusivity and kindness, as well as provide discussion questions and related skills for educators working with elementary students.

No-Prep Activity: The Inclusion Circle

This activity is designed to help students understand the importance of including others and promoting kindness in their interactions. The Inclusion Circle requires no preparation or materials, making it an easy activity for educators to implement in their classrooms.

1. Have the students form a circle, standing or sitting, with enough space for another person to join.
2. Select one student to stand outside the circle. This student will represent someone who feels excluded or left out.
3. Explain to the students that their task is to invite the student standing outside the circle to join them. They should take turns inviting the student in a kind and welcoming manner, using phrases like “Would you like to join us?” or “Come on in, we’re happy to have you!”
4. Once the student has been invited and included in the circle, have them share how they felt when they were welcomed by their peers.
5. Repeat the activity with different students standing outside the circle, giving everyone a chance to experience both roles.

Through this activity, students will learn the importance of being inclusive and kind to others, as well as the impact their actions can have on someone who feels left out.

Discussion Questions

After completing the Inclusion Circle activity, use the following questions to facilitate further discussion among the students:

1. How did you feel when you were standing outside the circle and waiting to be invited in? How did you feel when you were included?
2. Why is it important to include others and make them feel welcome in our activities and conversations?
3. Can you think of a time when you felt left out or excluded? How did that make you feel, and what could others have done to make you feel included?
4. What are some ways that you can practice inclusivity and kindness in your everyday interactions with your peers?

Related Skills

Teaching inclusivity and kindness is just one aspect of Social-Emotional Learning. Other related skills that can be taught to elementary students include:

- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
- Active Listening: Paying full attention to what others are saying, taking the time to understand their points, and asking questions when needed.
- Conflict Resolution: Finding peaceful solutions to disagreements and working together to resolve issues.
- Cooperation: Working together with others to achieve common goals and sharing responsibilities.