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Elementary Level Resources

Please see the resources below.

 

Disability Awareness Month

Full Lessons (Wonders Integration)

We're All Wonder Wonders integration grades TK-2
The Power of Music Wonders integration grades 3-5
Helen Keller Wonders integration grades 2-3

Additional Lessons

Bio’s of influential figures (Disability Pride Month) Historical Person's Bio Slides for Disability Pride Month
Neurodiversity Grades 3-5

Texts

What to Know About Invisible Disabilities Learn how to support students and educators with disabilities that aren't apparent. (Article)
What Happened to You? By James Catchpole Joe is deep into a game of pirates at the playground when other children begin asking him questions about why he has one leg. Joe deftly keeps the focus on play, teaching his playmates about empathy and privacy. This is an important book for talking about respectful responses to (any) differences. Definitely check out the free lesson plans from the author’s website and his personal reasons for writing the book.
This Beach is Loud! By Samantha Cotteril Written by an author with autism, these stories encouragingly highlight common experiences for neurodiverse kids. Many children can relate to having to cope at noisy places, manage schedule changes, try new foods, or figure out another’s feelings.

What Happened to You? By James Catchpole

  1. Free Lesson Plans
  2. Author’s personal reasons for writing the book

Videos

We Move Together: Storytime | Disability, Accessibility, Social Justice, Community Building We Move Together follows a mixed-ability group of kids as they creatively negotiate everyday barriers and find joy and connection in disability culture and community. A perfect tool for families, schools, and libraries to facilitate conversations about disability, accessibility, social justice and community building. Includes a kid-friendly glossary (for ages 6 – 9). Written by Kelly Fritsch & Anne McGuire, illustrated by Eduardo Trejos
I Talk Like a River When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he'd like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Compassionate parents everywhere will instantly recognize a father's ability to reconnect a child with the world around him.
Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah's inspiring true story—which was turned into a film, Emmanuel's Gift, narrated by Oprah Winfrey—is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Read Aloud
Thank you, Mr Falker written by Patricia Polacco Read Aloud
We Are All Different - and THAT'S AWESOME! | Cole Blakeway | TEDxWestVancouverED What is it that makes you different? What makes you jump out of bed? Cole Blakeway, a messy ten year old teaches us the value of celebrating differences as he describes his beautiful friendship with Steven, a 44 year old man with Autism. In a world that gravitates to being the same, Cole Blakeway reminds us that we are all different and that's AWESOME! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers from Students Kids with a formal diagnosis, such as autism, Asperger's, ADHD, learning disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Central Auditory Processing Disorder -- along those who just need to move while learning--often find it challenging to shine in a traditional classroom. The kids who collaborated to write and star in this "Dear Teacher" video represent such students. So, they wanted to share with educators how their brain works and offer simple ways teachers can help. How can YOU advocate for your needs with your teacher?
This is Me Pioneer SDC students share a video “This is Me”
Be A Game Changer Special Olympics. View the excitement and camaraderie that can be achieved as a Unified Champion School in this video that highlights the positive school climate created when Unified play, inclusive student leadership and whole-school engagement are an integral part of your school.
Celebrity World Down Syndrome Day Sign Video Celebrity World Down Syndrome Day sign video, The Vamps - Isabella Signs
Sesame Street: Janelle Monae - Power of Yet When something doesn't work out right now, follow Janelle Monae's advice and don't give up because you'll learn how! Keep trying and you'll reach your goal because that's the Power of Yet!

Additional Resources

How to Help Kids Talk About Learning Disabilities How to Help Kids Talk About Learning Disabilities by Writer: Rae Jacobson, Child Mind Institute: Sometimes opening up about learning differently is hard, but with practice, the rewards can be huge.
Disability Awareness Class Activity Lesson Plans Welcome to the lesson center for disability awareness class activity lesson plans. As classrooms become more inclusive, it's important for every child to be welcomed and treated with respect. The goal of this resource center is to provide teachers with lesson plan ideas that will help students better understand what it's like to live with different disabilities.
Disability Equality Education Start creating classroom conversations around disability. All the lesson plans have been designed and/or approved by disabled people.
What is Neurodiversity: A Video for Children Watch a short animated video to explain neurodiversity to children in under 2 minutes! Help us spread the word that all neurotypes are equally valid and special! We need neurodiversity to have a thriving, creative world. Visit drtamarasoles.com for more helpful tips and strategies!