Celebrating Our Differences

Overview

Age group: Year 2 (6-7 years old)
Class size: 12 students
Duration: 45 minutes
Unit: Celebrating Our Differences (Lesson 1 of 14)
Lesson Title: Introduction to Diversity
Subject: PSHE
Curriculum Focus: National Curriculum for England, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

---

Learning Objectives (National Curriculum Links)

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Understand the concept of diversity and recognise it in their everyday lives. (PSHE Association Programme of Study: Relationships and Living in the Wider World)
• Appreciate that everyone is unique and that this diversity should be valued. (PSHE Association Core Theme: Relationships – KS1)
• Develop respectful attitudes towards different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. (PSHE Association Core Theme: Health and Wellbeing – KS1)
• Share personal experiences to build empathy and understanding within the classroom community.

---

Resources Needed

• Large world map or globe
• Diversity picture cards (showing different cultures, abilities, family setups, clothing, festivals)
• Large sheets of paper and coloured markers/crayons
• “All About Me” worksheet (simple with sections for likes, family, background, things that make them special)
• Storybook related to diversity (e.g., “We’re All Different” or similar)

---

Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (5 minutes)

• Greet students and briefly introduce the unit "Celebrating Our Differences."
• Explain that today they'll begin by learning about diversity—what it means and why it’s special in the school and community.
• Icebreaker: “Who Am I?” – Children quickly say one thing that makes them unique.

2. Engaging Story & Discussion (10 minutes)

• Read a short age-appropriate illustrated story that celebrates diversity (e.g., a story that shows kids from different backgrounds playing together).
• Prompt class discussion with questions:
  • What differences did you notice among the characters?
  • Why do you think these differences are important?
  • What would happen if everyone were exactly the same?

3. Exploring Diversity with Visual Aids (10 minutes)

• Show the world map or globe. Highlight that people live in many countries and come from different places.
• Display diversity picture cards and invite students to describe what they see and relate it to their own lives. For example: different clothes, foods, languages, and family types.
• Facilitate a discussion that diversity is about the many ways people can be different — and that variety makes life interesting and fun.

4. Personal Reflection Activity (15 minutes)

• Hand out “All About Me” worksheets.
• Ask children to draw or write (with adult support if needed) things that make them unique – including hobbies, family, traditions, and favourite things.
• Once completed, students share their drawings/thoughts in small pairs or groups, practising listening and respectful speaking.

5. Group Discussion and Wrap-up (5 minutes)

• Bring the class together and invite volunteers to share one thing they learned about diversity today.
• Reinforce that everyone is different but equally important and that the classroom is a place where these differences are celebrated.
• Briefly outline what they will explore next lesson (learning about families and friendships).

---

Assessment and Outcomes

• Formative Assessment:

  • Observation of participation in discussions and pair-sharing demonstrates understanding and respectful attitudes.
  • Review “All About Me” worksheets for unique reflections, indicating awareness of self and others’ differences.

• Success Criteria:

  • Can define diversity in simple terms (e.g., “people being different”).
  • Shows positive attitude towards differences.
  • Participates in conversations about diversity, sharing personal experiences.

---

Curriculum Link Summary

National Curriculum Focus	This Lesson’s Contribution
PSHE – Health and wellbeing	Recognising and respecting differences in others’ experiences.
PSHE – Relationships	Appreciating individual uniqueness as part of forming positive relationships.
Personal and social development objectives KS1	Building empathy and social skills through sharing and listening activities.

---

Additional Teacher Tips

• Use positive, inclusive language reinforcing equality and respect.
• Encourage quieter students by providing reflection time before sharing.
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivities when discussing families and traditions; maintain an open and accepting tone.
• Create a classroom "Diversity Wall" with students’ drawings and photos over the unit to visualise progress and celebration.

---

This introductory lesson provides a foundation for the unit, ensuring that children build appreciation and respect for diversity in a nurturing environment aligned with the National Curriculum's PSHE requirements.