Who We Are (Diversity and Inclusion)

(5mins) Setting the Stage: 
-Ask students if they would like a classroom that knows how to work and have fun together. (Why is that important?)
-Tell students they are going to share important items with everyone. 
*Sharing items that are important to us allows us to understand and get to know one another and create a positive and welcoming classroom.

(2-3 mins) Link to prior knowledge/Teacher Model:
Today, we are going to learn how to use important items to bring us closer together.
-Direct student's attention to an important item the teacher will share with the class.

(30 Mins) Key Teaching Point/ Activity:
Have students complete a quick "Who We Are" questionar (Even those who did not bring anything)  
1#My First item is...2#It is important to me because...3#My item shows that I...
-For each item student would like to share, write down why it's important to YOU and what does that item mean to YOU.
-Model once again what to do by sharing MY item so that students feel comfortable when it is their turn. 
-Have each student  share his or her personal item with the class, using the information they wrote down as a guide.
-Encourage other students to ask each other questions. 
Examples: Why did you choose this item to share with the class? 
                  How long has the item been important to you? 
                  If you were asked to bring an item last year, would you have brought the same one? Why and Why not? 
-Encourage student to continue discussing their interest and hobbies with each other. 

(5 Mins) Closing Circle: 
Open discussion about the activity: 
-What was it like sharing your item and learning about your classmates? 
-What did you learn about each other? Did anything surprise you?
-Why do you think it is important for us to spend time getting to know each other?