I am Helen Keller



Last updated Thursday, February 18, 2021

Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Date of Publication: 2015
ISBN: 0525428518
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2021

Synopsis: When Helen Keller was very young, she got a rare disease that made her deaf and blind. Suddenly, she couldn't see or hear at all, and it was hard for her to communicate with anyone. But when she was six years old, she met someone who change her life forever: her teacher, Annie Sullivan. With Miss Sullivan's help, Helen learned how to speak sign language and read Braille. Armed with the ability to express herself, Helen grew up to be come a social activist, leading the fight for people with disabilities and so many other causes.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Has anyone heard of HELEN KELLER?
•  When we go in an elevator next time look for the dots there for blind people to find the right floor

Vocabulary

•  Obstacle—something difficult
•  Frustrated-disappointed
•  Patience—calm when things are going wrong

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  In the story do you remember one thing that REALLY made Helen sad? (couldn't call her dog)
•  Did Helen ever give up? Did she go to college?
•  Her teacher, Ann Sullivan copied all the college information to Braille—the dots :))))

Craft ideas:
•  Trace your hand to make the letters H and I to say Hi
•  Make your initials in Braille dots.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2021-people-places-around-the-world/

Special activities:
•  Let's practice saying H I in sign language
•  Let's say THANK YOU by touching our hearts

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!