1. Lesson 1: No One Learns Alone
No One Eats Alone™
Presented by Beyond Differences
Lesson 1: No One Learns Alone

2. Objectives
Students will be able to define the terms social isolation and inclusion as to mean the opposite behavior to exclude others.
Students will develop an awareness of social isolation and be able to identify actions that are isolating and actions that are inclusive.
Students will create alternative endings to stories of isolation that promote inclusivity.

3. Free-Write
Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong or have you ever felt left out?
Describe the experience.
What actions were taking place?
How did you feel?
How did you react?

4. Social Isolation vs. Being Inclusive
Purpose of watching the video:
1. What do you feel or to what can you relate?
2. What do you think the words social isolation and inclusion mean?
I feel… or ... I can relate to...
Because…

5. Lili’s Story
“Breaking Down the Walls of Social Isolation: Lili’s Story”

6. Lili’s Story - Journal and Discuss
Why did Lili feel left out?
Lili felt socially isolated. What do you think social isolation means?
How do you think social isolation made Lili feel?
What did social isolation look like in Lili’s experience?
What effect do you think social isolation had on Lili’s academic progress?
What does the word inclusion mean in this context?
What did people do in the video to try to include Lili more?
Imagine yourself part of Lili’s life. What are some things you could do to help her feel included?

7. Social Isolation vs. Including Others
Class Definition Prediction:
Social Isolation: either a complete or near complete lack of contact or communication between a person and other people.
Including Others: to make someone(s) feel they are part of something or part of a group; to give a sense of belonging to a person or persons.

8. Let’s Discuss Social Isolation
What are some differences that people have and why do you think they are more likely to be or feel isolated?
Social isolation especially affects those that are seen as “different” because of their physical appearance, disability, race, ethnicity, economic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, behaviors that label someone as different, or any number of personal differences.
Where do you think social isolation happens?
Social isolation can happen anywhere and within any social interaction. It occurs any time you feel misunderstood, left out, or alone, without making that choice on your own.
Why is it important to feel like you belong at school?
Students’ sense of belonging, especially at school and during adolescence, is important because it helps develop social and emotional well-being which is critical for academic success.
Why do you think it is important to talk about experiences of social isolation at school?
Brainstorming and discussing our own experiences of social isolation can give us a better idea of what social isolation looks like in our community.
Social isolation can look and sound different depending on the environment and the individual who is experiencing the isolation.

9. Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Wonder is a novel that tells the story of August (Auggie) Pullman, the protagonist, who is born with a facial difference. This facial difference is so shameful for him, he doesn’t go to school until he enters fifth grade. We learn that Auggie is an ordinary young boy, but at school he is faced with instances of so much social isolation, that he must work to convince his new classmates that he is just like them despite his differences.

10. “Ordinary”

11. “Lunch” and “The Plague”
Make sure your partner is someone with whom you don’t ordinarily work!
Read with purpose: look for instances of isolation.
Whisper read “Lunch” and “The Plague” together. (You can switch off reading every other paragraph.)
Fill out your graphic organizer as a team.
Be creative and come up with an alternative ending that promotes inclusive behaviors.
You and your partner present your alternative ending to the class.

12. Want to share your story of social isolation or including others?
Join Beyond Differences online movement #NoOneLearnsAlone.
Follow our online campaign #NoOneEatsAlone.
Create your video of your experience with social isolation. You can be the one that is affected, a bystander, or someone who takes a stand in support of someone being excluded.
Check out this example from Charlotte: yvjPZw0.

13. No One Eats Alone™!