Celebrating Diversity Day

Overview

This 50-minute lesson celebrates Diversity Day by engaging 8 third-grade students in a rich, inclusive learning experience that connects to the British Columbia Curriculum. Students will watch a culturally diverse video, hear a story promoting inclusion, and participate in activities that build empathy and understanding of differences. This lesson specifically supports English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies competencies.

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Learning Objectives

British Columbia Curriculum Alignment:

English Language Arts (Grade 3):

• Reading and Viewing
  • Use strategies to understand and interpret various texts and media. (Curricular Competency: Comprehend and connect ideas in texts and other media to personal experience and the world around them)
  • Recognize main ideas and supporting details.
• Writing and Representing
  • Express ideas and feelings through oral, visual, and written texts.
• Social Awareness and Responsibility
  • Appreciate diversity and differences among people.

Social Studies (Grade 3):

• Diversity and Community
  • Understand the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion in the community.
• Personal and Social Responsibility
  • Demonstrate respect for others and develop empathy.

Cross-Curricular Competencies:

• Communication
• Social Responsibility
• Positive Personal and Cultural Identity

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Materials Needed

• Projector or screen for video
• Printed storybooks or dyslexia-friendly e-books (large font, clear spacing)
• Diversity-themed story ("The Name Jar" or similar, adapted for dyslexia-friendly reading)
• Chart paper or whiteboard and markers
• Colouring materials and blank “All About Me” diversity posters
• Sticky notes

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Lesson Flow (50 minutes)

1. Warm-Up and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet students and introduce the theme: Diversity Day – Celebrating what makes us unique and special!
• Write the word “Diversity” on chart paper. Ask students what they think it means. Record their ideas.
• Explain that today you will learn about how everyone is different but deserves respect and kindness.

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2. Video Viewing (10 minutes)

• Show a 4-5 minute video featuring children from different cultures, abilities, and backgrounds talking about their traditions or what makes them unique.
• Dyslexia-friendly option: Pause frequently and use simple, clear language to summarise and check comprehension.

Post-viewing discussion (5 minutes):

• Ask students: What did you notice in the video? What do you like about the way the children in the video respect each other?
• Encourage responses highlighting diversity, respect, and inclusion.

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3. Story Time and Discussion (15 minutes)

• Read aloud a dyslexia-friendly story focusing on diversity and inclusion (e.g., an adapted version of The Name Jar).
• Use pictures and clear visuals to support text comprehension.
• Stop at key points to check understanding and ask questions:
  • How did the main character feel?
  • Why is it important to celebrate our differences?
  • Can you think of a time when you felt different or included?

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4. Activity: "All About Me" Diversity Posters (15 minutes)

• Each student creates their own poster that celebrates their unique background, interests, and family heritage.
• Provide sentence starters for support (e.g., "I am proud of...", "My family celebrates...", "One thing that makes me special is...").
• Students can draw and write their ideas or dictate to the teacher or peer for scribing (support for struggling writers/dyslexic students).
• For extension, advanced learners can prepare a short oral presentation to share their posters with the class.

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5. Closing Circle and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite students to place their posters on a classroom wall or bulletin board titled “We Celebrate Our Diversity”.
• Use sticky notes for students to write one kind thing they learned about a friend today or one way they can show kindness and respect.
• Read some sticky notes aloud, reinforcing the message of empathy and inclusion.
• Summarise: “When we celebrate diversity, we make our community a kinder and better place for everyone.”

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Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussions, video reflection, and story comprehension questions.
• Evaluate students’ “All About Me” posters for understanding of individuality and inclusion.
• Use sticky note reflections to gauge empathy and ability to connect ideas to social responsibility.

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Adaptations and Extensions

• Dyslexia-friendly options: Use coloured overlays, simplified text, audiobooks, and buddy reading. Provide extra time for writing activities or use speech-to-text tools.
• For advanced learners: Encourage research on a culture or tradition they find interesting and create a short digital presentation or photo collage for the class.

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Teacher Tips

• Create a safe, supportive atmosphere by modelling respect and celebrating all responses.
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage risk-taking in discussion and expression.
• Connect the lesson to broader themes in the year about community, kindness, and belonging.
• Highlight vocabulary such as diversity, culture, respect, inclusion throughout the lesson.

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This detailed lesson ensures students understand and value diversity aligned with British Columbia’s curriculum, creating meaningful engagement through multiple modes of learning and expression.