Using Inclusive Language to Foster Belonging

Using inclusive language both in and outside the classroom is a cornerstone of 21st-century education. It helps students feel safe, respected and valued, no matter their background or personal circumstances. 

This set of five worksheets has been created by our team to introduce students to six key aspects of inclusive language: gender inclusive, age inclusive, ability inclusive, family inclusive, culturally inclusive and socio-economic inclusive communication. Each worksheet provides an activity that encourages students to think about their word choices and the impact these have on others.

The following activities are included in this inclusive language worksheet pack:

• Read the sentences, then identify whether they are inclusive or need fixing.
• Read the sentences, then rewrite them to make them more inclusive.
• Choose the most inclusive words from the word bank to complete the sentences.
• Create a 3-panel comic strip that features inclusive language.
• Read the statements, then mark whether they are true or false.

This using inclusive language worksheet pack downloads as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides document. Answers are included to make marking quick and easy.

By completing these activities, students will learn what inclusive language is and why it matters in their everyday interactions.

Explore How to Use Inclusive Language with Your Students

These inclusive language worksheets are flexible and can be adapted to suit various teaching styles and student needs. Here are some practical and creative ideas for how to use them in your classroom:

1. Class Discussion Starter – Project the Inclusive Language Check Worksheet on your interactive whiteboard and read through each statement as a class. Encourage students to share their thoughts about each statement, prompting a deeper discussion about the effects of both exclusive and inclusive language on others.
2. Role-Play Activity – Once students have completed the Inclusive Language Comic Strip Worksheet, have them bring these comic strips to life by acting them out as role plays. This allows students to share their learnings and enables them to see inclusive language brought to life in different scenarios.
3. Create a Poster – Once the students have completed the worksheets, have them capture their learning by summarising the key points and displaying them as a poster or reference sheet. This can serve as an ongoing reminder about using inclusive language in all forms of communication. 

Download These Using Inclusive Language Worksheets

Ready to get your hands on these inclusive language worksheets? Use the Download button above to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

As this worksheet pack contains answers, we recommend that you print one copy of the entire resource, then remove the pages you need before making further photocopies.

This resource was created by Kaylyn Chupp, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator.

More Resources for Teaching Inclusive Language

Teach Starter has more great resources to save you time when teaching inclusive language to your class. Click below for some more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created activities!

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