Tear Down the Walls

Symbolic activities about inclusion teach empathy and the power of welcoming others, making abstract concepts of exclusion and inclusion concrete and actionable.

Objectives

Materials

Instructions

Prepare a symbolic 'wall' from cardboard boxes or large paper blocks. Label it with exclusionary words children might understand: 'Go away,' 'You can't play,' 'Not you.' Gather children and discuss: 'Have you ever felt like there was a wall between you and other kids? Like you weren't included?'

Explain the symbol: 'Sometimes we build invisible walls when we don't include people. This wall represents those feelings of being left out. Today, we're going to tear down the wall!'

Discuss what breaks down walls between people: 'Saying hello! Inviting someone to play! Making room for a new friend!' Write these wall-breakers on separate papers.

Let children physically tear down, decorate, or transform the wall. They can cover the negative words with positive ones, knock down cardboard blocks, or cut through paper barriers. Make it physical and satisfying!

Rebuild with kindness: use the same materials to create a 'bridge' or 'welcome mat' with positive phrases. Display this as a reminder of the classroom commitment to inclusion.

Conclude: 'Whenever we invite someone in, we're tearing down a wall. Whenever we share and include, we're building bridges. You're wall-tearing, bridge-building Champions of Character!'

Educator tip

Some children may have deep feelings about exclusion. Create space for these emotions while keeping the activity hopeful. The focus is on children's power to include, not on dwelling on exclusion.

Assessment

Observe and note: sustained engagement, sensory responses, early vocalisations, and attachment behaviours. Document using the Characteristics of Effective Learning framework (Playing and Exploring). Monitor understanding of the wall metaphor, participation in physical activity, and reflection on inclusion concepts.

More from EYFS Champions of Character