Alright, let’s be real—teaching is already overwhelming. Between lesson planning, grading, and figuring out which kid just threw a pencil across the room (again), you don’t have time for another “must-do” on your list. So when you hear words like “inclusivity” and “equity,” you might be thinking, Oh great, what now?
But here’s the plot twist: you’re already doing a ton of inclusive teaching without even realizing it. Yep, you, right now, in your slightly coffee-stained shirt, are making your classroom a more welcoming place just by being an awesome human.
So instead of adding more to your plate, let’s just take a sec to recognize the small things you’re already doing—and maybe tweak them just a bit to make your classroom even more inclusive (without breaking a sweat).
1. You Greet Students Like a Normal Person (Congrats, That’s Inclusive!)
Whether you’re a high-fiver, a head-nodder, or a “mutter good morning while chugging coffee” kind of teacher, the way you acknowledge students as they walk in matters. That tiny moment says, You’re seen, you belong here.
Make it even better:
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- Give students options for greetings (not everyone is a hugger—respect the personal bubble).
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- Learn their names and say them right (seriously, there’s no excuse).
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- Ditch “Hey guys” for something more inclusive like “Hey everyone” or “Good morning, crew!”
2. Letting Kids Sit Where They Want? That’s Called Flexible Seating.
Maybe you have an official flexible seating setup with wobble stools and beanbags, or maybe you just let kids move around when they work. Either way, giving them choice in where they sit is a low-key way to support different learning needs.
Make it even better:
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- Normalize choosing a seat that works for their learning, not just for sitting next to their bestie.
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- Offer standing desks, floor spots, or “focus zones” for students who need quiet.
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- Don’t make “moving seats” a punishment—it’s about comfort, not control.
3. Giving Assignment Choices? You’re Basically a UDL Pro.
Ever given students an option to write an essay or create a slideshow or record a video? BOOM—you’re embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which just means letting kids show what they know in different ways.
Make it even better:
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- Let students suggest different ways to show mastery—some kids might surprise you.
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- Offer built-in scaffolds like sentence starters or outlines for those who need ‘em.
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- Don’t treat one format (like writing) as the “better” way—multiple pathways = equity.
4. Using Names & Examples That Actually Represent Your Students? Gold Star for You.
You ever swap out the names in a word problem so they reflect your students? Or pick books that aren’t just written by dead white guys? That’s inclusive teaching in action, my friend.
Make it even better:
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- Rotate names in problems so every kid sees themselves reflected.
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- Use stories, history, and examples from outside the usual Eurocentric lens.
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- Let students bring in their own cultural references—it makes learning more relevant.
5. Forcing Group Work? Turns Out, That’s Actually Good (When Done Right).
I know, I know—group work can be a disaster. But letting students work together fosters inclusivity by helping them learn from different perspectives. The trick? Don’t just throw them in a group and hope for the best.
Make it even better:
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- Assign roles so one kid isn’t doing all the work while another just vibes.
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- Mix up groups intentionally—don’t let cliques run the show.
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- Teach active listening so it’s actually collaborative, not just controlled chaos.
6. Checking for Understanding Without Calling on the Same Three Kids? Love That.
You already know calling on raised hands doesn’t give you a full picture. That’s why you probably use strategies like thumbs-up/down, exit tickets, or partner discussions—and whether you meant to or not, that’s an inclusive move.
Make it even better:
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- Offer private check-ins for kids who don’t want to answer in front of everyone.
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- Use digital tools like polls or anonymous responses for the shy ones.
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- Give more wait time before calling on someone (because not everyone processes info at lightning speed).
7. Pausing After Asking a Question? That’s Called “Wait Time” and It’s Genius.
Ever noticed that the second you ask a question, the same kids’ hands shoot up before you even finish talking? Meanwhile, half the class is still buffering. Giving wait time (aka, chill for a second before calling on someone) makes space for all students to think before answering.
Make it even better:
Normalize saying, “Take your time, no rush”—some kids need that reassurance.
Use “turn and talk” so students can test out their thoughts before sharing.
Try a “no hands up” rule for a few seconds to let everyone process.
8. Letting Kids Fidget or Take Breaks? That’s Supporting Neurodiversity.
If you’ve ever let a kid stand up to stretch, doodle while listening, or grab a fidget tool, you’re already making your classroom more inclusive for neurodivergent students.
Make it even better:
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- Build movement breaks into the day instead of just “allowing” them.
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- Keep fidgets accessible but teach how to use them without disrupting others.
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- Let kids choose to stand, sit, or pace while working—because sitting still isn’t a measure of learning.
9. Giving Students Jobs in the Classroom? That’s Leadership 101.
When you assign classroom jobs, you’re not just keeping things running smoothly—you’re giving students ownership and a sense of belonging.
Make it even better:
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- Rotate roles so every kid gets a shot at leadership.
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- Create jobs that align with strengths (tech-savvy kid? Let them handle the slides).
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- Let students invent their own jobs—kids have wild, creative ideas for making things better.
10. Actually Caring About Your Students? That’s the Most Inclusive Move of All.
Look, at the end of the day, inclusivity isn’t just about strategies—it’s about making students feel valued. And if you’re taking time to connect with your students, you’re already doing the most important work.
Make it even better:
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- Do quick check-ins (mental health matters, too).
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- Incorporate social-emotional learning (yes, even in high school).
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- Model grace—when kids mess up (because they will), teach them, don’t punish them.
Final Thoughts (Aka, You’re Already Killing It, Just Keep Going)
So, here’s your takeaway: you’re already doing a lot of this. Inclusivity isn’t about adding more stuff to your plate—it’s about being intentional with what you’re already doing. Small shifts, tiny tweaks, and a little extra awareness can make a huge impact.
Now go forth, keep being awesome, and maybe give yourself some credit—you deserve it.
What’s an inclusive move you swear by in your classroom? Drop it in the comments and let’s share the wealth! 
