The playground is more than just a place for physical activity; it’s a social hub where important life lessons unfold. For special educators, teaching students to include everyone on the playground is vital in fostering an environment of empathy and respect. Keep reading this blog post for a free elementary play skills lesson and check out this free video-modeling sample from Everyday Speech!
The Importance of Inclusivity in Play
Inclusive play teaches children:
- Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and valuing the feelings of others.
- Social Skills: Developing communication and cooperative play skills.
- Self-esteem and Belonging: Everyone feels valued and part of the group.
Free Elementary Play Skills Lesson: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lesson Plan: Encouraging Inclusive Playground Activities
Objective:
Equip elementary students with the skills and understanding to include everyone in playground activities.
Materials:
- “Inviting Others to Play” sorting worksheet from Everyday Speech
- “Including Everyone on the Playground” video-modeling sample
- Markers, crayons, and paper
Step-by-Step Activities:
- Discussion on Inclusivity (5 minutes)
- Start with an open discussion on what it means to include others and why it’s important.
- Share stories or examples that illustrate inclusiveness.
- Watch “Including Everyone on the Playground” Video (5 minutes)
- Have students watch the included video sample below
- Worksheet Activity (10 minutes)
- Distribute the “Inviting Others to Play” sorting worksheet.
- Guide students through the exercise, discussing each scenario.
4. Creating Inclusive Playground Rules (10 minutes)
- As a group, brainstorm and create a set of inclusive playground rules.
- Encourage students to illustrate these rules on paper.
Conclusion
Promoting inclusivity on the playground is fundamental in shaping a compassionate, empathetic, and cooperative community among elementary students. Through thoughtful activities and discussions, special educators can instill values that resonate beyond the playground.
Sample Video
Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!
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