Active learning ideas
Diversity and inclusion are core values in the NCCA SPHE curriculum, reflecting the multicultural nature of modern Ireland. This topic encourages 6th Class pupils to celebrate differences in culture, religion, ability, and family structure. It also involves a critical look at prejudice and discrimination, helping students to understand the impact of their words and actions on others.
Activity 01
Students create a small display about a part of their own heritage or a culture they are interested in (e.g., food, music, or a tradition). They walk around the room to learn from each other, using a 'passport' to record one new thing they learned at each station.
Why is diversity important in our society?
Activity 02
In small groups, students look at a specific area of school life (e.g., the playground, the library, or school events). They identify one way that area is already inclusive and one way it could be made even more welcoming for everyone.
How can we make everyone feel included?
Activity 03
Students are given a scenario where someone is being excluded because they are 'different.' They work with a partner to brainstorm three 'upstander' phrases they could use to support the person and challenge the exclusion.
What should we do if we witness discrimination?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Inclusion means treating everyone exactly the same.
Teach that inclusion means giving everyone what they need to succeed, which might be different for each person (equity vs. equality). Using a collaborative investigation into school accessibility can help students understand this distinction.
Prejudice is something that only 'bad' people have.
Explain that everyone has unconscious biases and that the important thing is to recognize and challenge them. Active discussion in a safe, non-judgmental environment is key to surfacing and addressing these biases.
Methods used in this brief
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