OBJECTIVES
- To introduce the idea of having a physical impairment to the Fourth Graders through age appropriate simulations and speakers.
- To help children understand that there are many differences in all people both disabled and non-disabled.
- Differences are not right or wrong, not good or bad. They are just different.
PREPARATION (BEFORE THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER VISIT)
Preparation for I CAN includes planning activities and providing students with the knowledge needed to participate in and benefit from the upcoming simulations and speakers. Prior to simulation/speaker identify the need for this experience. This experience not only addresses key Social Justice goals which are outlined in the school’s accreditation process we hope to increase students awareness about people with disabilities, promote a culture of tolerance and encourage the acceptance of differences within our school.
RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
1. Contact Mrs. Zele for more information about the specific titles that are appropriate for your students based on their grade level and the content of their programming.
2. Contact the parent volunteers who will be presenting to your students during the simulation day. They can offer ideas for preparation.
3. Camp with No Limits Video link shows students examples of amputees have a typical summer camp experience!
4. Child with disability doesn't let her disability deter her desire to dance. Click here to view this NBC News Story.
5. Wounded warriors play softball with kids who have amputations. Click here to view this CNN Story.
6. You can find other ideas and resources to share with students in this Limb Loss Manual for Kids, Limb Loss Education and Awareness Program known as LLEAP!
ACTION (DURING THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
Our speaker is Cary, a veteran who has a below-knee amputation. Cary will come with Mr. Boncser who is a physical therapist. Cary and Mr. Boncser will share stories and experiences with students about limb loss and how these individuals can lead a normal life. They will lead students through interactive experiences designed to increase awareness. Fourth graders will also work with parent volunteers led by Kathy Buzzanca, also a physical therapist, and Lynnmarie Phillips from Deepwood. Kathy and Lynnmarie will lead students through hands-on simulations allowing students a chance to experience specific physical challenges and ways people can adapt to be increasingly independent.
REFLECTION (AFTER THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
Fourth graders should write a thank-you note to Cary for sharing his stories with them during the I CAN the Way I AM programming.
Reflection is the structured opportunity for students to critically think about their experience with the simulations or a given speaker. Teachers should ask students to apply their learning in a broader academic, social, and personal context. Reflections prevent the hands-on experiences and memories from the speakers from fading away. Reflections keep the concepts of this program alive.
Reflection is the structured opportunity for students to critically think about their experience with the simulations or a given speaker. Teachers should ask students to apply their learning in a broader academic, social, and personal context. Reflections prevent the hands-on experiences and memories from the speakers from fading away. Reflections keep the concepts of this program alive.
CELEBRATION (CULMINATION OF THE PROGRAM)
This final phase recognizes the students’ contributions. It also provides closure for the activity. Students will have a chance to celebrate all that people with disabilities can achieve. Celebrations may include:
- Media coverage: school newspaper, newsletter for parents, News Harold, church bulletin, etc
- Recognition of this month-long program at one school mass
- Composing thank-you notes to speakers for their time, offer specific expressions of gratitude
- Directly pointing out to students when their behaviors, attitudes, and actions mirror the objectives of this program, such as recognizing when someone needs a friend, acknowledgment of someone’s accomplishment after a great deal of hard work, finally when a student demonstrates patience and understanding of their peers.
Memories are a wonderful way to celebrate! Looking back on these treasured images will allow students the chance to relive the core values of I CAN the Way I AM beyond this one special day.
We are so grateful to Victoria D. Photography for capturing these beautiful images of the fourth grade simulation day. |