A girl named Helen Keller by Margo Lundell

Book Genre: Biography
Publishing Info: Scholastic Inc, 42 pages

Summary: After an illness, Helen Keller is left blind and deaf. Her parents spoil her and give her what she wants. Finally, her parents contact the Perkins School for the Blind and ask them to send for a teacher. Anne Sullivan arrives and is determine to tame the rebellious Helen before she is able to help her. Anne attempts to teach Helen sign language, but Helen does not understand. Finally, Helen spells “water” and understands what it means. She suddenly wanted to know the signs for everything. Helen and Anne remained close friends until Anne died

Personal rating: **** The book has unique and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy the simple sign-language alphabet on the back cover.

Reading level: 2.8
Interest level: K-2nd

Possible uses in reading and writing across the curriculum:
Teach students the sign-language alphabet. Encourage them to communicate with each other without speech.
Set up an obstacle course in another room or outside where students will not see it prior to the experience, have class get into pairs and blindfold one student. Without talking, each pair must work together to get through the obstacle course. After the experience, ask student to write in journals about the experience. How did they feel? Was it difficult to communicate? Were they able to work together?
Discuss with the class how Helen Keller gave lectures on supporting people who were deaf and blind, on women's rights and on pacifism. With the class, brainstorm issues in the world today which could use some public awareness or support. Have students choose one and write a speech, giving reasons why the issue needs support, and ideas for solutions. These speeches will be given in front of the class, on the last day of this unit, as a culminating event.

Potential Problems or Difficulties: There were no potentials problems or difficulties that I noticed.