Honouring Diversity in Grades 7 to 9
Junior high is a critical stage in the development of students. At this age many changes are occuring in students bodies, attitudes and abilities. Students will begin to notice greater differences amongst themselves and fellow classmates. As the students minds and bodies change so will their perceptions of others. This lesson is designed for grades seven to nine to deal with the differences and attitudes towards students with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). This lesson can be used to bridge gaps between all students and promote an atmosphere of inclusion in the classroom.
Introduction: 10 Minutes
- Start this class out by addressing the topic of personal differences. Discuss ways that people can be unique from one another and discuss ways that this affects how we interact with others.
- Introduce the thought that some students have exceptionalities. Introduce the exceptionality of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and state that many of the students at the school have ODD.
- Watch the video below to show students the facts surrounding ODD. Check for student understanding from the video by using questioning.
Body: 32 Minutes
- Split students into 4 groups. There will be 4 stations with 2 being a journal station and 2 being a station dedicated to looking at this website.
- The journal writing station will involve students discussing with the other members of their group on what ODD is and how it could affect the way that these students behave, learn and interact socially. Have them discuss the ways that these students can be included and ways that as classmates they could help ODD students belong in school. Students will then individually free write about the issues and thoughts shared in the group discussion and the introduction video. The students should reflect on how they would feel as a
- The website station will involve looking at the ODD in the Classroom website. Students will look at the description/definition page and the implications in the classroom page for more insight on ODD. Students will collaborate and discuss the issues that characterize ODD and the ways that both teachers and students can help ODD students in feeling included and ways that they can help deal with some of the problems that ODD students have behaviourally at school. The students will collaborate a list in which they will share with the other group doing the website station at the same time. The two will collaborate their lists and discuss methods and strategies for inclusion.
Conclusion: 8 Minutes
- Have students break out of groups and return to their desks.
- Go over as a class the struggles that ODD students face on a daily basis and the behavioural obstacles that they face. Discuss ways that these students can be assisted in feeling included and ways that they can be helped to overcome their behavioural difficulties.
- Emphasize the importance of inclusion and its impact it can have on someone. Acknowledge the importance of inclusion in learning.