Activity Introduction
Ensuring inclusive practises is not just about being helpful and supporting to others; it is a human right. Every member of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in ensuring that others receive this right. In this activity, you will explore the idea that we all have different strengths and weaknesses. You will do this by participating in a range of challenges (‘obstacle courses’) with your family, based on various disciplines including sport, literacy, maths, design, science and coding. You will then discuss which ones were easier or more challenging and will think about how we can include and support each other to succeed.
This activity is a great one to do together as a family. Children will need support to complete this activity.
Ideal for: Upper Primary Ages 10 – 12
Themes:
- playtime
- get moving
- brain teasers
- think and connect
Time required: 30 minutes
Curriculum connections: Health and Physical Education, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability.
Background information:
“Inclusion occurs when a diversity of people feel valued and respected, have access to opportunities and resources, and can contribute their perspectives and talents to improve their organisation” (source). Ensuring inclusive practises is not just about being helpful and supporting to others, it is a human right. Every member of the community has a responsibility and a role to play in ensuring that others receive this right.
This lesson has been developed in partnership with Down Syndrome Australia. Down Syndrome Australia was established in 2011 as the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. Their purpose is to influence social and policy change, provide a national profile and voice for people living with Down syndrome, and to build resources and the knowledge capacity of the state and territory Down syndrome associations. They work collaboratively with the state and territory Down syndrome associations to achieve their vision of an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential and enjoy social and economic inclusion.
Curriculum codes:
School-focused lesson: Including Everyone – Show Your Strength – HPE – Years 5 & 6.
- The Girl Who Thought in Pictures – The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, or a device capable of watching this clip
- List Your Strengths sheet, printed and cut up
- Show Your Strength Challenges sheet
- pencils and plain paper
- dry spaghetti (1/2 packet per participant)
- marshmallows (1/2 bag per participant, or alternative construction resources that you already have at home)
Learning@Home from Cool Australia
Learning@Home resources are designed for parents and teachers to use with children in the home environment. They can be used as stand-alone activities or built into existing curriculum-aligned learning programs. Our Learning@Home series includes two types of resources. The first type of resources are fun and challenging real-world activities for all ages. The second type of resources is self-directed lessons for upper primary and secondary students. These lessons support independent learning in remote or school settings.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Activity Instructions - Overcoming Obstacles To Success