The More The Merrier Lesson Plan The More, The Merrier
Embracing Inclusion in Our Groups
30 Minutes
Objective
Students will learn why including others is important and how it makes groups more fun and diverse.
Audience
6-7 Year Olds (Small Group Setting)
Approach
Interactive discussion, hands-on activities, and guided reflections.
Why This Lesson?
This lesson fosters empathy and social skills by teaching young learners the value of inclusion, encouraging them to welcome all peers into their groups.
Preparation (5 Minutes)
Review The More, The Merrier Lesson Plan for overall structure.
Familiarize yourself with the Inclusive Slide Deck and Inclusion Activity Sheet .
Prepare post-it notes for group activity and check that all materials are ready to use.
Materials Checklist
Lesson Plan (This Doc)
Inclusive Slide Deck
Inclusion Activity Sheet
Post-it Notes
Pencils/Crayons
Instruction Guide
5 MIN
1. Warm Up: Friendship Circle
Greet the students and gather them in a circle on the floor.
Ask students to share one thing they like about making new friends.
Introduce the idea that having more friends makes activities more fun.
5 MIN
2. Visual Learning: Slide Deck
Show the Inclusive Slide Deck to explain what inclusion means.
Highlight points on why including others can bring different games, ideas, and fun experiences .
Encourage students to look at the colorful visuals while you explain key terms.
10 MIN
3. Hands-On: Inclusion Brainstorm
Distribute the Inclusion Activity Sheet and post-it notes.
Have students work in small groups to write or draw one way they can include someone new in their play.
Walk around and encourage creativity and sharing. "What kind words could you say?"
5 MIN
4. Group Discussion
Invite groups to share their ideas (or show their drawings) with the whole group.
Guide discussion on how these ideas can make everyone's playtime better and more fun.
5 MIN
5. Cool Down & Reflection
Summarize the lesson by asking: "What did we learn about inclusion today?"
Distribute the Inclusion Reflection sheet for a quick wrap-up.
Thank everyone for sharing and remind them to practice including others in daily activities.
Inclusive Slide Deck Presentation Welcome to Inclusion!
Today, we are going to learn why having more friends makes games and fun even better!
"The More, The Merrier!"
Introduce the lesson with a friendly greeting. Explain that this session is about how including others makes playtime more fun. Remind teachers to use simple language and ask questions to engage the students.
What is Inclusion?
Inclusion means welcoming everyone to join your game or group.
When we include others, everyone can have fun together!
Circle
Games
Together
Friends
Explain the meaning of inclusion using simple words. Use visuals or examples like a picture of a playground where everyone is playing together. Encourage students to think of their favorite games.
Why Include Others?
More People...
More Games!
New Ideas!
A Lot More Fun!
"Every friend brings a new way to play!"
Discuss why it is beneficial to include others. Mention that every person can bring a different idea or game, which makes activities more fun and interesting.
Your Experiences
Have you felt happy when a new friend joined your play?
"Sharing our play makes us all smile!"
Turn and talk with a partner
Connect inclusion to students' own experiences; ask them if they have ever felt happy when a new friend joined their play. Prompt students to discuss briefly with a partner.
Let's Include Everyone!
Next time you play, remember: inviting one more friend can make our games even more fun and exciting!
Be Kind
Be Welcoming
Have Fun!
Encourage a call-to-action where students are reminded to include someone new in their next playtime. Reinforce the theme of empathy and friendship.
Inclusion Activity Sheet Activity The More, The Merrier!
Inclusion Activity Sheet
Name:
Date:
Welcome, friends! Today we are going to think of creative ways to include others in our play.
1
What Does Inclusion Mean to You?
Think: What makes you feel happy when someone new joins your game?
Write or draw your thoughts here
2
How Can You Include Someone New?
Imagine: You see someone who is alone. What is one kind thing you can do to invite them to play with you?
Write or draw your idea here
Share Your Idea!
When you're done, be ready to explain your drawing or idea to your small group. Listen to your friends and see all the different ways everyone can help include others.
Remember: The more, the merrier!
Friendship Circle Warm Up Handout Friendship Circle
Lesson Warm-Up Activity
Welcome, everyone! Today, we're starting with our 'Friendship Circle' to help us think about why making new friends can be so much fun. We'll gather in a circle and share our thoughts on having friends.
How it Works
1
Gather Round
Everyone, stand or sit in a circle. Make sure everyone can see each other's smiles!
2
Think & Spark
Think about one thing you like about making new friends. It could be how they make you laugh, or how they play different games with you!
3
Share the Joy
Share your thought with the circle. Listen carefully as your friends share theirs too. We are all listening to each other.
The Big Idea
When we share, we learn that every friend brings something special. This can make our games and activities even more exciting!
The More, The Merrier!
Inclusion Reflection Exit Ticket My Inclusion Reflection
Thinking back on our lesson
Name:
Let's take a moment to think about what we learned today about including everyone in our games and groups. Close your eyes and think how it felt when a friend joined your play.
My Reflection Space
What did you learn about including others?
How can you make sure everyone feels welcome?
Write or draw your thoughts here
"When we include others, we all have more fun together!"
Inclusion Tips for Parents Reading Inclusion Tips for Parents
Building a kinder, more welcoming community at home and school.
This resource is designed to help you support your child's journey towards embracing inclusion. Here are practical tips and conversation starters to encourage inclusion, empathy, and kindness.
Why Inclusion Matters
Inclusion means welcoming and valuing everyone, even if they seem different from us. When we include others, we create an environment where every person feels safe, respected, and happy.
Conversation Starters
"How did it feel when someone new joined your game today?"
"What are some ways you can make a friend feel welcome if they are alone?"
"Why is it important to include everyone, even if they are different?"
Tips for Home
Lead by Example
Show how you value others in your daily life—invite neighbors or participate in community events.
Share Stories
Read books or watch shows that highlight friendship and inclusion. Discuss the characters' choices.
Discuss Diversity
Talk about qualities that make each person unique. Ask: "What makes your friend special?"
Practical Strategies
Encourage Empathy
Ask how they think a left-out friend feels and what would make them feel better.
Caring Routine
Each day, share one kind deed done to include or help someone else.
School Connection
Stay in touch with teachers to reinforce inclusion lessons at home.
Your actions and conversations help shape a kinder, more inclusive community for all.
Consejos de Inclusión para Padres Reading Consejos de Inclusión para Padres
Formando una comunidad más amable y acogedora en casa y en la escuela.
Este recurso está diseñado para ayudarle a apoyar el camino de su hijo(a) hacia la inclusión. Aquí encontrará consejos prácticos y sugerencias de conversación para fomentar la empatía y la amabilidad.
Por qué es importante
La inclusión significa dar la bienvenida y valorar a todas las personas, incluso si son diferentes a nosotros. Al incluir a los demás, creamos un ambiente donde todos se sienten seguros y felices.
Sugerencias para conversar
"¿Cómo te sentiste cuando alguien nuevo se unió a tu juego hoy?"
"¿De qué manera puedes hacer sentir bienvenido a un amigo que está solo?"
"¿Por qué es importante incluir a todos, aunque sean diferentes?"
Consejos para casa
Predicar con el ejemplo
Muéstrele a su hijo(a) cómo valora a los demás en su vida diaria: invite a vecinos o participe en eventos.
Compartir historias
Lean libros o vean programas sobre amistad e inclusión. Hablen sobre las decisiones de los personajes.
Hablar de diversidad
Conversen sobre lo que hace único a cada uno. Pregunte: "¿Qué hace especial a tu amigo(a)?"
Estrategias Prácticas
Fomentar la empatía
Pregunte cómo creen que se siente un amigo excluido y qué le haría sentir mejor.
Rutina de cuidado
Cada día, compartan una acción amable realizada para incluir o ayudar a alguien más.
Conexión escolar
Manténgase en contacto con los maestros para reforzar las lecciones en casa.
Sus acciones y conversaciones ayudan a formar una comunidad más amable e inclusiva para todos.
