Here you’ll find a variety of lesson plans, with one for each age group. Feel free to mix and match the activities that work best for your students. There’s also an alternative lesson plan at the end for even more flexibility.
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Pre-K Lesson Plan (Ages 3-4)
Learning Objectives
Understand that friends can communicate in different ways.
Practice inviting others to play using gestures and words.
Develop empathy for children with physical differences.
Materials
Procedure (30 minutes)
(5 mins) Introduction: Gather students in a circle and ask how they ask friends to play (waving, speaking, smiling). Introduce the concept that some children, like Gabby in our story, use their hands and expressions instead of voices.
(10 mins) Storytime: Watch the read-along video or read 'Tag! You're It!' aloud. Pause to point out Gabby's expressions and how Nicky helps her.
(10 mins) Roleplay: Use picture cards or hand gestures (like waving or a 'come here' motion) to practice asking a friend to play. Pass the soft foam ball gently to a friend after 'asking' without using voice.
(5 mins) Wrap-up: Sing a simple friendship song about including everyone.
Kindergarten Lesson Plan - Age 5
Learning Objectives
Identify emotions related to exclusion and inclusion.
Learn how to modify a game to include friends with disabilities.
Practice being an ally like Nicky.
Materials
Procedure (30 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Emotion Check: Show emotion flashcards. Ask students to identify how Gabby felt when she couldn't ask to play, and how she felt when she was included.
(10 mins) Story Experience: Watch the read-along video of 'Tag! You're It!'. Focus the discussion on how the other kids reacted initially versus the end.
(10 mins) Activity: Go to an open space with a parachute. Explain that parachute play is a game almost everyone can play, sitting or standing. Play a cooperative game where everyone lifts together.
(20-25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the interview with Jannesy DeLeon or discuss the author's note to understand real-life inspiration. Students draw a picture of themselves playing with Gabby.
1st Grade Lesson Plan - Age 6
Learning Objectives
Define the term 'ally' using Nicky as an example.
Discuss non-verbal communication methods.
Brainstorm ways to make the classroom more inclusive.
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Definition: Define 'Ally'—someone who helps and supports others. Ask who the ally was in the book.
(10 mins) Read Along: Watch the read-along video together. Ask students to raise their hands whenever Nicky does something helpful for Gabby.
(15 mins) Group Brainstorm: Create a 'Classroom Inclusion List' on chart paper. List ways to include someone who acts or moves differently (e.g., 'Wait for them,' 'Learn their signs,' 'Invite them first').
(20-25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the Author Q&A video. Have students write one question they would ask her if she were there.
2nd Grade Lesson Plan - Age 7
Learning Objectives
Understand the basics of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Analyze the difference between skepticism and acceptance.
Design an inclusive recess activity.
Materials
Procedure (35 minutes + 20 minutes optional Q&A)
(10 mins) Vocabulary: Discuss terms like 'Cerebral Palsy,' 'Non-speaking,' and 'Skepticism.'
(10 mins) View and Listen: Watch the read-along video. Pay close attention to how the illustrations show Gabby's movement (wheelchair body positioning).
(15 mins) Design Challenge: In small groups, design a 'Tag' game rule set that makes it fair for someone using a walker or wheelchair (e.g., 'Walking Tag only' or 'Freeze Tag with special safe zones'). Present ideas to the class.
(20-25 mins) Optional Author Q&A Exploration: Watch the author's Q&A video. Discuss how personal experience shapes stories. Write a short reflection on 'Why representation matters in books.'
Alternative Lesson Plan - Ages 3 - 7
Learning Objectives
Experience different modes of communication (AAC/Sign).
Engage in sensory-friendly play.
Celebrate unique abilities within the group.
Materials
Procedure (45 minutes)
(10 mins) Circle Time: Introduce the idea that voices are just one tool for talking. Show a simple picture board.
(15 mins) Story Experience: Watch the read-along video. Encourage students to point to the screen when they see Gabby happy.
(10 mins) Silent Tag: Give students sensory ribbons. Play a slow-motion version of tag where 'tagging' means gently waving the ribbon near a friend, emphasizing visual contact over physical touch.
(10 mins) Reflection: Sit in a circle. Ask students to show a 'thumbs up' if they had fun, practicing non-verbal sharing.