Diversity and Inclusion Scenario Cards — Printable & Digital
An inclusive classroom does not happen by telling students to be kind.
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About this resource
An inclusive classroom does not happen by telling students to be kind. These diversity and inclusion scenario cards let Grades 2–6 think through what inclusion looks like in 60 specific moments, and practice it before the moments arrive. They build Social Awareness.
What students practice
- Noticing and responding when someone is left out
- Respecting differences in ability, language and family
- Welcoming someone who is new
- Celebrating cultures and traditions
- Seeing how inclusion affects others
What’s inside
- 60 situations in five themes: we’re all different, being new or different, fairness and respect, celebrating cultures and traditions, and everyone belongs
- 60 open-ended scenario cards, 4 per page, each with the prompt “How could you include or show respect?”
- 60 guided scenario cards: the same scenarios, each with 3 questions on perspective, respectful response and the impact of inclusion
- 120 journal pages, one open-ended and one guided page per scenario, for written reflection and community-building activities
- 159 pages in all
A look inside
- Recess Game: “Ava wants to play soccer at recess, but some kids say it’s a “boys’ game.””
- Favorite Snack: “During snack time, Sofia brings dried seaweed from home.”
- First Day in a New Country: “Yara just moved from another country and joined your class today.”
How to use these diversity and inclusion scenario cards
- SEL lessons on belonging, respect and community building
- Morning meetings on classroom culture and inclusion
- Counseling groups on empathy and social awareness
- Small group discussions on navigating differences respectfully
- Use them as what would you do scenarios in small groups, and pull social situation cards for a quick turn-and-talk
Grade fit
Each card is set in a lunchroom, classroom, group project or playground and centers on a named classmate, always framed around curiosity, respect and belonging. Titles like Buddy Bench and Speaking Up suit Grade 2, and the guided questions add depth up to Grade 6.
Digital version
The printable and digital scenario cards work together: share one link, pick the open-ended or guided format, and students respond on any device with no student logins. At the end they download an answer sheet to hand in.
Pairs well with
Add Diversity and Inclusion Task Cards for leveled prompts at Grades 2–3 and 4–5, or Diversity and Inclusion Conversation Cards for morning meeting.
Questions teachers ask
What does the guided version add?
Three questions on how the situation might feel, what a respectful response is and what difference inclusion makes.
Which differences do the scenarios cover?
Everyday differences in ability, background, language and family, such as a new student or a snack from home.
More for Social Awareness
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