5th Grade - Cognitive Disabilities
OBJECTIVES
- To introduce the idea of having a cognitive disability to the Fifth 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.
"Students have been listening to the book Wonder. They have been engaged in the story and I think they understand more fully that there are differences in all people and that these differences are not good or bad. We have discussed "being a bucket filler" and this has given them a concrete example of how we as a community can work together, learn from each other, help each other and no matter how we are "different" we can support and love each other."
- Mrs. Marianne Misit 5th Grade Teacher |
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 but 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. Teachers can view the following link with their students to watch how one man with a developmental disability shows all that he CAN do! http://fox8.com/2014/10/14/dreams-come-true-restaurant-owner-with-down-syndrome-inspiring-thousands/#ooid=B0YXgzcTomCJG5OQxJsJLzkIlIWmh2rU 4. Learn about Teddy Kremer, Batboy for the Cincinnati Reds and how he is inspiring players, coaches and fans. Click the link to the right to see the story featuring Teddy on ESPN's Sports Center. |
|
ACTION (DURING THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
One parent volunteer will begin the simulation day with this powerpoint which provides students with a basic overview about people with cognitive disabilities. Please click the link below to view the powerpoint.
cognitive_learning_deck.pptx | |
File Size: | 1268 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Fifth graders will have parent volunteers who come to each individual homeroom to facilitate simulations. This will take approximately one hour. Then following the simulations Mary Schulz and her son Charlie will visit the classroom. Mary and her son will answer questions students may have and tell stories about their experience with having a cognitive disability. Charlie prefers if students have taken the time to prepare questions in advance. This can be done between the simulation day and when Charlie and Mary arrive. The file below includes questions that previous students have compiled to ask Charlie prior to his visit. Students are challenged to come up with their own unique questions; however, all are welcome to view the document to get started.
questions_for_charlie.docx | |
File Size: | 14 kb |
File Type: | docx |
REFLECTION (AFTER THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
Fifth graders should write a thank-you note to Charlie and Mary for sharing their 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 fifth grade simulation day. |