Special People Special Ways



Special People Special Ways
By: Arlene Maguire
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 9-12

 Special People Special Ways is a book that uses rhymes to talk about the differences and disabilities some children have. The book infroms readers of various disabilities that are seen in the classroom and how to respond to them. The author does a great job of teaching students how to be tolerant and accepting of students with disabilities. Great images and great message!

Theme:
Different children have different needs. It is important for us to be tolerant and accepting of these students.

About the author:
Arlene Maguire is a fairly well known children's author. She is known for writing books that teach tolerance of students with special needs. She has a spot in her heart for those children with disabilities. We can all learn from the information she shares with us.


Pre reading activity:
Sitting in a circle, students share one thing that makes them special.

Post reading activity:
Students role play situations that call for them to be tolerant and accepting. Discuss what could be improved/what could be done to make the situation worse.

Source used:
http://www.amazon.com/Special-People-Ways-Arlene-Maguire/dp/1885477651

In Jesse's Shoes

In Jesse's Shoes
By: Beverly Lewis
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 4-8

In Jesse's Shoes is about a girl who has a brother with special needs. Her brothers name is Jesse. Jesse has autism. At first his sister is very frustrated with him for being different. She learn learns to look at life from his eyes. All of the other children make fun of her brother. Jesse's sister becomes the only one who understands him. This is a great story to use when talking about the importance of accepting others no matter what differences they may have. This is also a great way to teach the idea that family is what matters most.


Theme:
Sometimes no one may understand you because of your differences. All it takes is one person to look at life from your eyes and accept you for who you are.


About the author:
Beverly Lewis started writing short stories and poems at the age of nine. She is a Christian writer that never meant to write to become famous. She simply wanted to write for pleasure. Her books have become well known and well liked.


Pre reading activity:
What does it mean to "be in someones shoes?" Have students make predictions. Discuss what this saying means with students.


Post reading activity:
Students write a letter to Jesse explaining why they think others should accept him and what they learned from his story.

Source used:
http://www.beverlylewis.com/ME2/Sites/Default.asp

It's Okay To Be Different

It's Okay to Be Different
By: Todd Parr
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 4-8

It's Okay to Be Different is a book about how it is ok to accept your self for being different. The author does a great job at not making something seem "normal" but instead portrays the message that it is important to accept yourself for who you are. Children will love the colorful images and fun pictures, and the lesson to be learned is priceless!


Theme:
It is important to be accepting of who you are. Be proud of yourself for what you do and who you are.


About the author:
Todd Parr is a light hearted guy who loves to entertain kids. He is not only an author but has his own TV show called ToddWorld. He says that his books are about "love, kindness, and sometimes sillyness." He is a very kind friendly author!


Pre reading activity:
What does it mean to be different? Create a web describing the different ways people can be different.


Post reading activity:
Students write about one thing that makes them different and special. Students draw an image to go along with their writing peice and share with the class.

Source used:
http://www.toddparr.com/