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Everyone Is Special

Lesson 9:

From Unit Philanthropic Literature

Lesson

Handouts

Academic Standards

Philanthropy Framework

Kindergarten-2nd Grade

Subjects:

Language Arts, Library / Technology and Philanthropy

Key Words/Concepts click to view

ELA:	Very Special Critter (A); Character Development; Compare/Contrast; Constructing Meaning; Fiction Literature; Group Discussions; Inferences/Generalizations; Listening; Plot Development; Predicting; Prior Knowledge; Response to Text/Others; Story Elements; Universal Themes; Vocabulary
PHIL:	Civic Responsibility/Virtue; Diversity; Philanthropic Act; Tolerance

Purpose:

To expose students to literature which reinforces the concept of tolerance toward people who are different. (The focus is on special-needs persons.) This lesson will also relate tolerance to becoming a responsible citizen.

Duration:

One Thirty-Minute Class Period

Objectives:

The learner will:

identify letters in the story.
discuss the special equipment needed by persons with special needs.
note how the students are alike and different.
show how tolerance builds responsible citizenship.

Materials:

A Very Special Critter by Gina and Mercer Mayer (see Bibliographical References)
Alphabet cards for letter recognition

Synopsis:

This is the story of a new boy (critter) at school. It tells of the special talents that the new boy has and how the children work to help each other in work and play.

Instructional Procedure(s):

Anticipatory Set:

Ask students to list things they like to do or things they are good at. Then ask them to put a check by the things they couldn't do if they had a broken leg (or a broken arm, or blurry vision, or another handicap). Discuss how they can still do lots of things and life wouldn't change much for them. Tell them that in the story you are going to read today, a boy is in a wheelchair. They will see that this boy is not handicapped by his disability. Hold up a copy of the book A Very Special Critter. Activate prior knowledge by asking children what they see.

Read the book to the class. Discuss the artwork and note the details on each page.
On selected pages, have the children locate letters of the alphabet using the alphabet cards as models.
Discuss how the children interacted with the new student. How were the students alike and different? Would the interaction have been different if the child were not physically challenged?
Discuss the special equipment that the new student needed to function.
Define the term tolerance. Discuss how tolerance of others is an important trait of a responsible citizen. Brainstorm ways that people can be different. Discuss how differences make the world a more interesting place. Sometimes people can be uncomfortable with things that are new or different. Tolerance may include teaching yourself to be comfortable with things that are new and different and learning to see differences in a positive way. Ask students to identify places in the story where students showed tolerance. What would the world be like without tolerance?
Set up several role-plays in which students explore how to welcome a student with a disability into the class. Explore what is appropriate and inappropriate language and behavior. Discuss times when it is appropriate to act philanthropically or for the common good without the teacher's special permission.

Assessment:

Children will identify letters of the alphabet. Observe how students recall details from the story. Observe how students discuss the meaning of tolerance and identify the parts of the story where tolerance was displayed.

Cross-Curriculum Extensions:

Provide each student with an illustration of a wheelchair. Have them decorate the chairs with symbols and colors that are attractive to them.

Bibliographical References:

Mayer, Gina and Mercer. A Very Special Critter. Racine, Wisconsin: Western Publishing Company, Inc., 1992. ISBN: 030712763X.

Lesson Developed By:

Pamela McIntosh
Detroit Public Schools
Woodward Elementary School
Detroit, MI 48208

Handouts:

Academic Standards:

State/Country:

Philanthropy Framework:

Comments

Laura, Teacher – Albion, MI10/13/2007 7:29:37 PM

(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) learning that being special comes in all shapes and forms. We really talked about Special Ed at this time and the kids seemed to relate and understand better that sometimes we all need help.

Teri, Teacher – Saginaw, MI10/13/2007 7:33:40 PM

(The positive aspect of using this lesson was) students enjoyed role-playing to welcome a new student who is disabled.