Including Everyone at Play

Including everyone at play means making sure no one is left out when kids are having fun together.

Reading is good — doing is better. Practice Including Everyone at Play as an interactive lesson.

Definition

Including everyone at play means inviting all the kids nearby to join your game or activity so that nobody feels lonely, sad, or left out. When you include others, you are being kind and making sure everyone gets a chance to have fun.

Remember the rule

If you see someone alone, give them a chance — say 'Do you want to play?'

Key words

Include: To ask someone to join in and be part of the group
Exclude: To leave someone out on purpose so they cannot join the fun
Invite: To ask someone nicely if they want to play with you
Feelings: The way something makes you feel inside, like happy, sad, or lonely
Kindness: Doing something nice or caring for another person
Fairness: Making sure everyone gets the same chance to join in
Left out: When someone is not allowed or not asked to be part of the group
Teammate: Someone who plays on your side and works with you

Worked examples

At recess, you and your friend are playing tag. You notice a classmate standing by the fence alone. What should you do?

→ Walk over and say, 'Hi! We are playing tag. Do you want to play with us?' Now everyone can run and have fun together. · Asking costs nothing but makes that child feel welcome and happy.

Your group is building with blocks. A new student walks by and looks interested. What do you do?

→ Say, 'We are building a castle. You can help if you want!' Let them pick up a block and join in. · New students feel nervous, so including them helps them feel safe.

Some kids say, 'This game is only for 3 people and we already have 3.' Another child wants to join. What can the group do?

→ Change the rules a little so a 4th person can play, or take turns so everyone gets a chance. · Being flexible with rules is a big part of fairness.

You are playing on the swings with two friends. Another child stands nearby and looks sad. What should you say?

→ Say, 'We can take turns on the swings. You can go next!' Then follow through and let them have a turn. · Sharing equipment is one way to include others even when space is small.

A classmate plays differently than you do or speaks a different language. Should you still include them?

→ Yes! Use friendly gestures like waving and smiling, or show them what to do by doing it yourself. Everyone deserves to play. · You do not need the same words to have fun together.

Common mistakes

Saying 'You can't play' without a real reason — this hurts feelings and is unkind.
Only inviting your best friends and ignoring other kids who are nearby and alone.
Changing the game rules on purpose to make it too hard for the new person to join.
Forgetting to check around and notice if someone looks lonely or left out.
Thinking it is okay to leave someone out because they are different or new to the class.

FAQs

What if I don't know the kid who is left out?

That is actually a great time to meet someone new! Walk up, smile, and say your name. Then ask if they want to play. You might make a new friend.

What if my game really only works for a certain number of players?

Try to think of a small change that lets one more person join, or take turns so nobody waits too long. There is almost always a way to include one more.

What if the other child says no thank you to playing?

That is okay! Some children need time alone. You were still kind for asking. You can check in again later.

How does it feel to be left out?

It feels sad, lonely, and sometimes embarrassing. Remembering that feeling helps you want to make sure others do not feel that way.

What if my friends do not want to include someone?

Be brave and speak up. Say, 'Come on, let's let them play.' You can also go play with the child who is left out yourself. One kind person can make a big difference.

Why is including others important?

When everyone is included, the whole group is happier, games are more fun, and the classroom feels safe and kind for everybody.

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