Seeing the Invisible Lesson Plan Seeing the Invisible
1st Grade • 50 Minutes • Social-Emotional Learning
Lesson Plan
Why This Lesson?
Students will explore the themes of exclusion and invisibility through experiential and game-based learning activities. Using 'The Invisible Boy' by Trudy Ludwig as a central theme, students will engage in activities that help them understand how these themes manifest in their own lives and in the lives of older community members. This lesson fosters empathy and awareness, helping students recognize and address feelings of exclusion.
Objectives
Identify feelings of exclusion and "invisibility."
Practice specific actions to include others in social settings.
Empathize with those who may feel overlooked.
Required Materials
• The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
• "When I Felt Invisible" Reflection Sheets
• Inclusion Scenario Cards (1 set per group)
• Exit Tickets (1 per student)
• Markers/Crayons
Preparation
• Read through The Invisible Boy to identify stopping points.
• Print and cut the Scenario Cards.
• Print Reflection Sheets and Exit Tickets.
Lesson Flow
10 min
Intro
Introduction & Read-Aloud
Begin by reading The Invisible Boy to the class. Pay attention to the illustrations and how Brian starts in grayscale and gains color as he is included.
Key Prompt:
"How did Brian feel at the beginning? Why does he start to change colors halfway through the book?"
15 min
Personal
Experiential Activity: Feeling Invisible
Distribute "When I Felt Invisible" sheets. Ask students to draw or write about a time they felt like Brian—left out or ignored.
Teacher Note: Collect the notes and share a few common themes anonymously (e.g., "Someone said I couldn't play," or "No one sat by me"). This validates their feelings.
15 min
Game
Inclusion Scenario Game
In small groups, give students the printable Scenario Cards. One student reads (or the teacher reads to the class) a "Invisible" moment.
Groups act out the "Invisible" version first, then act out the "Included" version. Discussion follows each scenario: "What changed in the second version?"
5 min
Reflect
Class Discussion
Guide a conversation about how exclusion affects people of all ages (e.g., an older person eating alone, or a new student at lunch).
What can we do to make our classroom a "Visible" place?
How does it feel to be the one who includes someone else?
5 min
Exit
Closure & Exit Ticket
Distribute exit tickets. Students choose one way they will help someone feel included today. Collect as they transition to the next activity.
Seeing the Invisible Slides Seeing the Invisible
Finding ways to include everyone.
1st Grade SEL
The Invisible Boy
Brian feels like he is invisible. Nobody notices him or invites him to play.
Look Closer...
Why is Brian drawn in black and white while the other kids are in color?
Class Talk
How did Brian feel?
1
When Brian was left out of the party, what was he thinking?
2
Can you think of a time when you felt invisible or excluded?
3
How can we make sure everyone feels included in our classroom?
The Inclusion Game
Level 1
Phase 1: Invisible
Show what it looks like when someone is left out.
Phase 2: Included
Show what it looks like when you "see" them and invite them in!
"Invisibility" in the World
It's not just at school. Sometimes grown-ups or older neighbors feel invisible too.
A Friendly Wave
Noticing an older neighbor on their porch.
A Helping Hand
Helping a new student find their cubby.
Be a Hero.
Who will you make "visible" today?
Kindness
Awareness
Inclusion
When I Felt Invisible Reflection Worksheet When I Felt Invisible
Reflecting on our feelings
Name:
Date:
In the book, Brian felt invisible when he was left out. Can you think of a time when you felt left out or "invisible"?
Draw it here:
Use your colors (or grayscale!) to show how you felt.
Write about it:
I felt invisible when...
Inclusion Scenario Cards Activity Inclusion Scenario Cards
Cut these out and distribute to small groups for the acting activity.
1
The Recess Game
Three friends are playing a game of tag. A new student is standing nearby, watching them and waiting. No one says anything to them.
How can you make them "Visible"?
2
The Lunch Table
A student is sitting at a table with their lunch. There is an empty seat next to them, but everyone else is crowded together at the other end of the table.
How can you make them "Visible"?
3
Art Project
The teacher says to pick a partner. Everyone finds a friend quickly. One student is left standing alone at their desk without a partner.
How can you make them "Visible"?
4
The New Neighbor
An older neighbor is sitting alone on their front porch. You and your friends are biking past their house and playing loudly.
How can you make them "Visible"?
5
Birthday Talk
A group of kids is talking excitedly about a birthday party they all went to this weekend. One student nearby was not invited and is looking at their book.
How can you make them "Visible"?
6
On the Bus
Someone new gets on the bus. They look for a place to sit. Everyone has their backpacks on the seat next to them so the new person has to stand.
How can you make them "Visible"?
Seeing Others Exit Ticket Seeing Others
Exit Ticket
Name:
1
What is one way you can help someone feel included?
Ignore them
Invite them to play
Walk away
2
Draw a picture of you "seeing" someone who feels invisible.
I can make a difference!
Seeing Others Answer Key Answer Key
Seeing Others Exit Ticket
Teacher Resource
1
What is one way you can help someone feel included?
Ignore them
Invite them to play
Walk away
2
Draw a picture of you "seeing" someone who feels invisible.
Expected Response:
Students should draw an image showing an act of inclusion. Examples include:
Walking up to a lonely student and smiling.
Sharing a toy or a book.
Inviting someone into a group circle.
Waving at a neighbor.
Tip: Look for students using "bright" colors for the person being included, mirroring the book's transition from grayscale to color.
Grading Notes
This exit ticket is meant as a formative assessment. Focus on whether the student understands that active participation (inviting, noticing) is the key to counteracting exclusion.
