Introduction
As educators, it’s important to teach students the value of including everyone on the playground, regardless of their interests, abilities, and personalities. Inclusivity fosters a positive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. By promoting the importance of considering everyone’s feelings, we can help create a more enjoyable and supportive atmosphere on the playground.
No-Prep Activity: The Inclusion Circle
This simple activity requires no preparation or materials from the educator, making it an easy way to promote inclusivity on the playground. Gather the students in a circle and choose one student to start. This student will turn to the person on their right and say, “Hey, want to join us?” or “Come play with us!” The next student will do the same, continuing around the circle until everyone has been invited to play. This activity helps students practice inviting others to join in and reinforces the importance of including everyone on the playground.
Discussion Questions
- Why is it important to include everyone on the playground, even if they have different interests or abilities?
- How does it feel when you’re not included in a game or activity? How can we prevent this from happening to others?
- What are some ways we can make sure everyone gets a turn and feels included during playtime?
- How can we apply the Golden Rule to our interactions on the playground?
- Can you think of a time when you saw someone alone on the playground and invited them to play? How did it make you feel?
Related Skills
Beyond promoting inclusivity on the playground, there are other valuable skills that can help students develop strong social-emotional foundations. These include:
- Active listening: Encouraging students to listen carefully to others and respond thoughtfully.
- Empathy: Teaching students to understand and share the feelings of others.
- Conflict resolution: Helping students learn how to resolve disagreements in a peaceful and respectful manner.
- Cooperation: Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among students during playtime.
Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned more about the importance of including everyone on the playground and some activities to promote inclusivity, it’s time to put these skills into practice. To access free samples of skill-building activities and resources, visit Everyday Speech’s sample materials. By incorporating these principles into your daily routine, you can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
