CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Inclusion – High Schooler Spreads the Message that Nobody Should Have to Dine Alone

Inclusion is the act of not leaving anyone out so everyone feels that they are part of a community. It is characterized by fairness, respect, and consideration for the needs and well-being of others.
Inclusion
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Fairness
  • Good Citizenship
SEL Skills
  • Relationship Skills
  • Social Awareness
Academic Skills
  • Curiosity and Passion
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Caring
  • Be kind.
  • Be compassionate.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Forgive others.
  • Be considerate of others’ feelings.
Relationship Skills

Create positive relationships and meaningful connections with family members, classmates, and teachers.

Curiosity and Passion

Enthusiastic to understand more about themselves, others, and the world around them.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News
Students will learn about the value of inclusion and its importance in creating a sense of belonging within a community from a high school student determined to ensure that everyone has someone to eat lunch with. They will reflect on different inclusive behaviors and their own experiences to apply this concept to their own lives.
Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • Share about a time when you were left out and how that made you feel.
  • Define inclusion.
    • Inclusion means making others feel part of a bigger group.
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

Click here for the shortened video (best for secondary students).

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • What did inclusion look like in the video?
  • How can we include others at lunch this week?
  • What would a No-One-Eats-Alone Club look like at this school?
  • What are other ways we can practice inclusion at school?
materials

Activity Materials

  • Decks of cards (one deck for each group of 2-4 students)
activity

Activity: Go Fish

  • Break students into groups of 2-4.
  • Pass out a deck of cards and have students play a game of Go Fish.
  • Rules of Go Fish
  • Follow-up questions:
    • How did you practice inclusion during Go Fish?
    • What were some challenges you faced in the game? How do those relate to inclusion?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Share about a time when you felt included or part of a group.
  • What do you think helps people when they feel lonely?

6-12

  • How do you help people feel connected around you?
  • How can you promote inclusion in school, home, or community?
  •  
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/2orOzspJqkM

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about inclusion.

  • Share about times when each member of the family has felt lonely.
  • What are ways we can help each other feel more connected and included?
  • Why is it important to feel connected to your community?

Activity

  • Plan an inclusion-focused activity as a family, such as hosting a neighbor for dinner, having a neighborhood potluck, or inviting someone new to join a family outing.
  • Discuss the experience afterward and reflect on making others feel welcome and valued.

More Kindness 101

CHARACTER COUNTS! Lessons and Activities

 

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