Hot Topic:

Children with Disabilities

Ayana Fletcher-Tyson
Advanced Childrens Literature
Why we need to teach I am a firm believer that strong positive
inclusive instruction in early childhood grades

with books featuring

could save the worldIt is critical at this stage
to provide experiences and discussions with

children with
all children that teach them about individuals
that may be different from them in some
mannerI was struck by the last line of

disabilities:
Ostrosky, Mouzourou, Dorsey, Favazza, &
Leboeufs (2013) article. They stated As
more early childhood classes become
For promoting inclusive inclusive, strategies such as purposeful book-
reading and discussion guides will become
classrooms and habits essential to creating a positive social climate
and sense of belonging for all children.

- Laura
Why we need to teach Artman-Meeker, Grant and Yang (2016)

with books featuring

claimed that in our increasingly diverse
schools, teachers have both a

children with
responsibility and an opportunity to help
students see themselves and others

disabilities:
through the lens of literature. Teachers
can use childrens and adolescent
literature to open minds, counter bias,
For promoting inclusive and reflect on students experiences (p.
classrooms and habits 151). This quote really resonated with
me.

Aliceyn
Why we need to teach
with books featuring
Because of the importance of the family
on child development, I wonder what

children with
would happen if a child who was
learning about people with disabilities or
other underrepresented groups in

disabilities: school but who was hearing slurs or

derogatory language used at home
how would that child interact with peers
For promoting inclusive with disabilities or peers from minority
classrooms and habits groups?

Katie
Why we need to teach
with books featuring
But in China, you don't see them not
because there are not many of them, but
because they feel ashamed and embarrassed

children with to go out in public, because people pay extra

and unwelcome extension to them. To

disabilities:
majority people, they are different so they will
be judged. Under this scenario, even it is the
look of pity or sympathy, still for people with
difference, it feels like a burn on their face. My
For classroom filled with understanding to this phenomenon is China is
diverse student with and lack of education of humanity in the system.
without disabilities - Bo
Why we need to teach Childrens literature provides an
opportunity for students without

with books featuring disabilities to hear directly from those

experiencing or affected by disabilities,

children with
as well as invites individuals with
disabilities to hear their own voice in the

disabilities:
books. I want my students with special
needs understand theyre not alone.
Learning about other children who have
For classroom filled with been through similar experiences,
diverse student with and especially if theyre traumatic, can help
children accept their own feelings
without disabilities
(Sterland).

- Xueyue
Why we need to teach Good literature serves as media,

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also as cushion, in easing the
difficulties and uncomfortable

children with
feelings when we talk about some
sensitive topics. Not just children

disabilities:
need such rehearsal in literature,
sometimes we teachers also needs
preparation and plans for opening
For meaningful discourse up such conversations.
between adults and children
- Wenna
Why we need to teach She wrote, The answer to bullying is not
conformity or eliminating differences or the

with books featuring

very things that make someone an
individual. As my children grow, I dont

children with
want to teach them to blend in and not
stand out. I want to teach them to stand up

disabilities:
and be who they are and were created to
be, even if who they are is a little bit quirky,
a little bit different (Berge, 2016). I think
this is such a beautiful sentiment and a
For meaningful peer great point that illustrates how difficult it is
relationships to deal with bullying in school.

Kendal
Why we need to teach
I feel children at a young age may not be aware
of or have vague ideas about the

with books featuring

difference they have from others. But because of
the influence of stereotypical
ideas from adults, whether explicit or implicit,

children with
children grow up to categorize
people. Some children may feel privileged and
alien children with disabilities.

disabilities:
Some children with disabilities may find it
frustrating that they are somehow
different and are marginalized by the mainstream
group. To avoid this
For meaningful peer situation, its crucial that educators talk about
relationships disabilities in a careful way
when childrens values are still plastic.

- Hangmin
Why we need to teach Some students are inherently very kind

with books featuring and accepting of those who differ from

themselves, others need more explicit help

children with
in understanding disabilities and exercising
tolerance. One article from this week

disabilities:
highlighted bullying as an issue, and giving
opportunities for critical literacy with texts
about all sorts of differences, including
disability, is a step towards all students
For meaningful peer developing compassion and humanity.
relationships
- Jill
Why we need to teach
with books featuring When I read the line "he likes ice cream like

children with
me", I felt like it reached some soft spots in my
heart and created a warm flow of happiness.

disabilities:
As a future teacher, I know that's what I would
wish my students to know about children with
physical disabilities.

For meaningful peer - Ruochen

relationships
Criteria for evaluating children's literature that depict children with
disabilities
6. Also look for books that:
1. Portrayal of disability/ Accuracy
of information - Confront the disability

- Do Not use disabled characters

2. Family roles
- Lack stereotypes and
3. Cultural diversity
- Have high literary quality

4. Voice

5. Self-determination
Tru Confessions

Book vs. movie

 Books to Use in
the Classroom
Whats Wrong With Timmy? by Maria Shriver
Dont Call Me Special by Pat Thomas
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The Alphabet War by Diane Burton Robb
My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay by Cari
Best
El Deafo by Cece Bell
 Ending Thoughts?
Ted Talk: Maysoon Zayid