OBJECTIVES
- To reinforce the ideas of inclusion, tolerance, and acceptance.
- 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 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. Use the Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities to ease any student concern about communicating with the upcoming presenters. Click here for the link. 4. Here is a guide put out by Special Olympics with similar information on communicating with people with disabilities. 5. Take some time to view the video from ESPN E:60 entitled, "Catching Kayla." Begin to consider how you are pushing yourself this year to make the most of the time you have. Pushing yourself beyond what you thought you could do isn't just about sports. How do you push yourself spiritually, academically, creatively? How can you go beyond being an average son/daughter, brother/sister, friend, or student? |
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ACTION (DURING THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
Eighth graders will hear Charlie and Bill Schulz tell their stories of acceptance. Charlie is a young man with a cognitive disability. Charlie and Bill will tell stories about being brothers and growing up together. Students are encouraged to ask questions and get involved during their presentation. There will be some parents present during the presentation.
REFLECTION (AFTER THE SIMULATION DAY/SPEAKER)
Eighth graders should write a thank-you note to Bill and Charlie for sharing their story 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 Herald, 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.