All for one and one for all: The good inclusion game

Graham et al. (2024) tested the Good Inclusion Game in one elementary class.

Everyone was on the same team. They had to reach a joint goal to win.

The teacher watched for friendly acts between pupils with and without special needs.

Inclusive acts rose each time the game was played.

When the game stopped, friendly acts dropped. When it returned, they rose again.

The gains stayed even after the study ended.

Normand et al. (2020) and Perez et al. (2015) show the same rule: one class, one goal, big change. Their games raised PE steps and cut disruption, proving the tactic travels.

Schwab (2015) saw SEN pupils feel left out in normal inclusive rooms. That picture seems to clash with Graham’s upbeat data. The gap is simple: Susanne watched rooms with no plan; Graham added a clear game and reward.

Seward et al. (2023) later moved the step game to adults with IDD. That extension hints GIG might also work beyond grade school.

You can run GIG tomorrow. Pick one friendly behavior, set a class goal, and let the group earn a joint prize. No teams, no charts for each child. The whole room wins together, so peers cheer for classmates who learn differently. Try it for 15 minutes a day and watch inclusion grow.