Introduction
In a classroom setting, it is important for students to learn the value of fairness and taking turns. This is particularly crucial for students in Special Education who may need additional support in understanding the impact of their actions on others. By teaching students to prioritize the good of the group and allowing others to have their turn, educators can help foster a positive and inclusive environment. In this blog post, we will explore an easy-to-implement activity and discussion questions to help students better understand the concept of fairness and taking turns.
No-Prep Activity
This simple activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator and can be easily incorporated into the daily routine. It is called the “Circle of Fairness” activity.
- Ask the students to form a circle, either standing or sitting.
- Explain that they will be passing an imaginary ball around the circle, with each student having a turn to “receive” the ball and pass it on.
- Begin by “passing” the imaginary ball to the first student, who will then pass it to the next student in the circle.
- Continue this process until the ball has made its way around the entire circle and back to the educator.
- Discuss with the students how it felt to take turns and share the ball, emphasizing the importance of fairness and thinking about the good of the group.
This activity demonstrates the importance of taking turns and sharing, as well as the value of considering the feelings of others. It encourages students to be mindful of their actions and learn to prioritize the well-being of the group.
Discussion Questions
- How did it feel to take turns and share the imaginary ball with your classmates?
- Why is it important to think about the good of the group and let others have a turn?
- How might it make someone feel if they are always left out or never get a turn to be first?
- What can you do to make sure everyone gets a turn and feels included?
- How can you apply the concept of fairness and taking turns in other areas of your life?
Related Skills
In addition to fairness and taking turns, there are several other related skills that can help students develop a greater understanding of the importance of considering others. These skills include empathy, active listening, cooperation, and effective communication. By incorporating these skills into their daily interactions, students can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for themselves and their peers.
Next Steps
To further explore the concept of fairness and taking turns, as well as other valuable social-emotional learning skills, we invite you to sign up for free sample materials at Everyday Speech. These resources can help educators working with students in Special Education create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, while also helping students develop essential life skills.
